Toxic Tea? RIMS Ranchi Student Hospitalised After Suspected Poisoning
Summary: A first-year postgraduate medical student at RIMS in Ranchi got really sick after having tea from the college canteen. Doctors think it might be poison from chemicals, and they’re waiting on toxicology results to find out more.
“Can a simple cup of tea turn life-threatening?”
This shocking incident from Ranchi raises serious concerns about food safety and hygiene in institutional canteens.
Who Is the Victim? A Medical Student’s Ordeal
A 25-year-old lady student, pursuing her first year postgraduation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the renowned Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at Ranchi, Jharkhand, fell ill after drinking tea from the canteen and has been put on a ventilator.
What Happened Inside the Canteen?
The student ordered tea from the canteen and poured it into a flask so she could drink it after her work. Later, when she took a couple of sips from her flask, she complained that the tea had spoiled as it smelled and tasted bad. Hearing this, a few others who had ordered tea from the canteen did not drink it.
Subsequently, she felt ill and fainted and was rushed to the emergency, where she was put on ventilator support.
Chemical or Food Poisoning? The Big Question
The flask and some other articles relating to the incident were sent for toxicology tests, and the results awaited.
A spokesperson from the institute said that this looks like a case of chemical poisoning, and not food poisoning, but more information will be available only after the toxicology reports come in and the investigation is carried out.
Police Step in as Probe Intensifies
A formal police complaint has been lodged, and the staff member who served the tea is being questioned. The canteen has been sealed, and the condition of the patient is stable but critical.
Lessons on Hygiene and Safety for Everyone
Reports will bring to light the reason for the poisoning. It is truly an unfortunate incident. The canteen should ensure that the food and beverages they prepare are done so in clean and hygienic conditions. The canteen staff should wash their hands or wear gloves and maintain hygiene while cooking or serving food.
If someone is taking tea from a flask, it should be properly washed and cleaned before pouring in the tea. If the flask is cracked from the inside, it should not be used at all. Steaming hot tea should not be poured into the flask as the heat may react with the metallic flask interior, which may make the tea toxic and unfit for consumption.
Understanding that medical students are pressed for time, surely they can take out a couple of minutes from their schedule to sit in the canteen and enjoy their cup of tea.
"Who would think a simple tea break could turn into a hospital stay?"
Final Thoughts
This incident is a wake-up call about everyday safety. We often just assume that the food and drinks we have are safe without giving them much thought. But should we? Paying attention to cleanliness, handling, and how we store things isn’t just about rules — it can actually protect our health. Maybe it’s a good idea for all of us to take a moment, even just a few minutes, to make sure what we’re eating really helps us stay healthy instead of making us sick.
Inputs from various media sources.
- Health News and Updates
- 25 August 2025
- 07:00
