Andhra Pradesh’s Failing Health Safeguards Draw Fire from Jagan

Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy , president of the YSR Congress Party , has raised serious concerns over recurring incidents of contaminated food and drinking water across the state, alleging administrative negligence under the TDP-led coalition government.

In a post on X, he said it was alarming that basic necessities such as milk and water were becoming health hazards , leading to avoidable illnesses and deaths .

School Incident Raises Fresh Questions

A recent outbreak at the Kurupam Tribal Welfare Girls’ School saw 16 students fall ill with diarrhoea , five of whom required hospitalisation . Jagan pointed out that the institution had earlier reported deaths linked to contaminated water, yet permanent preventive measures were not implemented.

He claimed that over the past 14 months, nearly 25 food poisoning incidents have been recorded in hostels and educational institutions across 15 districts, affecting around 900 students. Reports of poor sanitation, substandard food, and unsafe drinking water have further intensified public concern.

Several regions, including Chebrolu, Vijayawada, Guntur, Gurla, Srikakulam, and Turakapalem, have reported widespread diarrhoeal cases in the past 18 months, with multiple fatalities . In Srikakulam district alone, five deaths and nearly 200 hospitalisations were reported last week due to contaminated water.

Outbreaks and Milk Tragedy

The recent adulterated milk incident in Rajamahendravaram has added to the alarm. Five people died and eight others remain in critical condition. Jagan described the episode as evidence of weak food safety enforcement and called for immediate corrective action.

Urging the government to prioritise public welfare over politics, he demanded a comprehensive review of health monitoring systems to prevent further tragedies.