Erragadda food scare: Health minister visits hospital, cancels contractor over lapse

Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha on Wednesday visited Erragadda Government Hospital following a major health scare in which 92 patients fell ill due to suspected food contamination.

During his inspection, the minister sought detailed reports on the condition of affected patients and did not hold back in expressing his displeasure with the hospital superintendent. He confirmed that while 74 patients have recovered, 18 are still undergoing treatment at Osmania Hospital.

Holding the hospital accountable for negligence, the minister announced that the contract of the diet supplier had been immediately terminated. “When it comes to public health, there will be zero tolerance for carelessness no matter who is responsible,” he stated.

Raja Narasimha assured that a full investigation is underway to identify how such a serious lapse occurred. He emphasised that strict action would be taken against any staff member found guilty of neglect, reinforcing that patient safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances.