120 Students Sick After Albendazole in UP Schools
More than 120 school children were taken to the hospital in Uttar Pradesh after they developed headache, vomiting, and stomach discomfort soon after receiving Albendazole tablets during a school-based campaign. The deworming drive UP students hospitalised incident has raised concern among parents and triggered strong political reactions.
Health officials said all affected children are now stable. However, the episode has put a spotlight on safety monitoring during mass health programmes for children.
What happened during the deworming drive
The first cluster of cases came from a government school in a village under Kamalganj block in Farrukhabad.
Nearly 150 students received Albendazole tablets as part of the routine deworming programme. Shortly after, around 100 children complained of headaches and vomiting.
Doctors admitted 33 students to a community health centre in Kamalganj, while 67 others were shifted to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Farrukhabad, for observation and treatment.
District officials visited the hospital and directed medical teams to closely monitor every child.
The Chief Medical Officer confirmed that doctors stabilised all students and discharged many after symptoms settled. Authorities also clarified that schools across the district distributed the same tablets, but only this one location reported illness. They added that another cause may have triggered the sudden discomfort.
Similar cases reported in Mainpuri
Around the same time, nearly two dozen students fell ill at a government composite school in Mainpuri.
Two children with stomach pain reached the hospital first. Soon after, several parents brought their children for check-ups after hearing about the incident.
Medical officers said most students recovered quickly and returned home the same day. Doctors believe anxiety may have worsened symptoms in some children, especially after seeing classmates fall sick.
Officials stressed that Albendazole is generally safe and widely used in public health programmes.
Doctors say children are stable
Health authorities stated that:
- All admitted students are now in stable condition
- No serious complications have been reported
- Most children improved with basic supportive care, such as fluids and rest
They also said the deworming activity took place under district-level supervision and followed standard guidelines.
Still, the deworming drive UP students hospitalised episode has led administrators to review procedures and investigate whether any local factors contributed to the reaction.
Political parties demand answers
The incident drew sharp responses from opposition groups.
Samajwadi Party claimed the situation reflected a wider medical emergency and alleged that unsafe medicines may have been used.
Aam Aadmi Party accused authorities of systemic negligence and called for strict action against those responsible.
Student organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad also demanded a high-level inquiry. The group alleged possible use of expired or substandard tablets and delays in medical care, urging suspension and legal action if lapses are found.
Why deworming matters and what parents should know
India runs biannual deworming programmes for children aged two to 19 to reduce intestinal worm infections, which can affect growth, nutrition, and learning.
Doctors advise parents to remember:
- Mild nausea or headache can sometimes occur after deworming tablets
- Serious reactions are rare
- Children should eat before taking Albendazole
- Any persistent vomiting, severe pain, or weakness needs medical attention
Public health experts say such campaigns remain essential, but they also stress the need for careful supervision, proper counselling, and quick response when children report symptoms.
Conclusion
While all affected students are recovering, the deworming drive UP students hospitalised incident highlights the importance of preparedness during mass school health activities. Authorities have promised a detailed review to prevent similar events and restore parents’ confidence in preventive care programmes.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 11 February 2026
- 20:00
