The Centre today sent a team of experts to Rajasthan to assist the state government in investigating the cause of water and food contamination that apparently led to the death of 12 people with special needs, mostly children, at a government-run home near Jaipur.
The five-member team includes a senior paediatrician, epidemiologist and microbiologist and will investigate the causes and also suggest public health measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
"Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed for a special five-member expert team to be sent to assist the Rajasthan government to investigate into the causes of water and food contamination that are reported to have resulted in the death of 12 specially-abled persons in the state-run home at Jamdoli in Rajasthan," an official statement said.
Nadda has also spoken to the state health minister Rajendra Rathore who informed him that necessary measures have been taken to prevent such incidents in future.
"The Union Health Minister assured him of all support. A detailed report in the incident is expected shortly," officials said.
Twelve people with special needs, mostly children, staying at the government-run home died between April 16 and 27 due to suspected bacterial infection after drinking contaminated water.
Three officers and as many staff members of the home for people with special needs were suspended after the incident.
With the opposition hitting out at Vasundhara Raje government over the deaths, the state government appointed a three-member committee to probe the matter.
The Chief Minister yesterday issued instructions for strict action against erring government officials.
Earlier in a tweet, Nadda said, "Extremely sad to hear of the death of specially-abled persons in #Jamdoli, Rajasthan. My prayers for them and their families. Sending 5-member experts team to Jaipur today to assist State Govt. To investigate into causes of incident & suggest preventive measures.
