CHANDIGARH, May 27 : More than 250 people allegedly fell ill after consuming food at a wedding function in Punjab’s Sangrur district, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into suspected food poisoning, officials said.
The incident was reported from Moonak town, where guests at a marriage ceremony began complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach-related problems shortly after eating food served at the event on Tuesday afternoon. Women, children, and elderly people were among those affected.
With a large number of patients arriving at the government hospital in Moonak, authorities were forced to arrange mattresses on the floor after all beds were occupied. Several patients were also admitted to private hospitals, while some were shifted to healthcare facilities in Haryana’s Tohana town in Fatehabad district.
Health department officials said food samples collected from the wedding function had been sent for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of the illness.
According to hospital authorities, at least 81 patients reached the Moonak Civil Hospital for treatment, of whom 61 were admitted, while some others were discharged after initial treatment. Patients in critical condition were referred to higher medical centres.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal visited the hospital after receiving information about the incident and reviewed the treatment arrangements. Former minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa also reached the hospital to meet the affected families.
Speaking to reporters, Goyal said he was deeply saddened to learn that hundreds of people had fallen ill after consuming food at the wedding ceremony in his constituency. He said medical teams from Lehragaga, Sangrur, Bhawanigarh, Kauhrian, and Patiala were immediately rushed to Moonak hospital to manage the situation.
The minister added that strict instructions had been issued to the Civil Surgeon, SDM, DSP, and other officials to remain present at the hospital round the clock and closely monitor the treatment of patients. He said three ambulances had been kept on alert for emergency situations and that the Director of Health had also been contacted to ensure there was no shortage in medical care.
Hospital officials said the sudden influx of patients created pressure on available infrastructure and manpower. The Senior Medical Officer of Moonak Hospital admitted that the facility’s limited capacity led to difficulties in managing such a large number of patients simultaneously.
Several affected persons alleged that contaminated food items served at the wedding may have caused the illness. Some patients claimed that the curd served during the function could be responsible, though officials said the exact reason would be confirmed only after laboratory reports are received.
The minister said there should be stricter laws across the country against food adulteration and contamination to prevent such incidents. He assured that the Punjab government would take appropriate action after the investigation report is received.
(UNI)
