Health Centre in South Aceh Maximises Treatment of Poisoning Victims

Banda Aceh — The Ujung Padang Rasian Health Centre in South Aceh Regency is maximising treatment for victims suspected of poisoning after consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

Mariamah, head of the Ujung Padang Rasian Health Centre in South Aceh, stated on Sunday that the facility is strengthening its medical team to accelerate treatment of patients still receiving care. “We are maximising victim treatment. In addition to general practitioners and existing health workers, we have also deployed a nutrition specialist doctor from the Yuliddin Away Daerah General Hospital in Tapaktuan, South Aceh Regency,” she said.

Previously, 18 schoolchildren ranging from early childhood education (PAUD) to senior secondary level in Pasie Raja District, South Aceh Regency, were rushed to hospital for medical treatment on Friday afternoon (27 February). Of the 18 pupils, 13 were admitted for inpatient care, whilst the remainder were discharged. However, the number of poisoning victims being treated increased by two on Saturday (28 February).

The South Aceh Regency Health Department classified the suspected poisoning of dozens of pupils after consuming MBG programme meals in Pasie Raja District as an extraordinary event (KLB). “We have classified this case as an extraordinary event or KLB. This is the first in South Aceh related to alleged MBG poisoning,” said Faizah Abbas, secretary of the South Aceh Health Department.

Faizah stated that 18 children received treatment. Among them, 13 children underwent outpatient care with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Based on initial reports, symptoms appeared shortly after pupils consumed noodles, meatballs, and bean ice. “The combination of these symptoms often points to suspected food poisoning or acute allergic reactions. We have classified this case as an extraordinary event, the first in South Aceh related to alleged MBG poisoning,” Faizah Abbas said.

The MBG consumed by dozens of schoolchildren came from the Ruang Kito Basamo Foundation through the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) of Ujung Padang Asahan Village, Pasie Raja District, South Aceh Regency.

The South Aceh Regency Health Department also inspected the SPPG’s production kitchen. From preliminary inspection results, the facility was reportedly without a hygiene and sanitation compliance certificate (SLHS).

Head of the Ujung Padang Asahan SPPG, Isfulriza Yanda, apologised to parents and dozens of schoolchildren affected by the poisoning. “We apologise for this incident. If there is any negligence, it will certainly warrant serious evaluation. However, we are still awaiting laboratory test results from the Health Department,” said Isfulriza Yanda.