RSCM: No Brain Function Impairment Found in Students Affected by Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning

Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) has confirmed that no brain function impairment was found in a student from Karo Regency, North Sumatra, who was allegedly a victim of Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) poisoning. This certainty was reached after the medical team conducted a series of examinations on the student, including neurological and supplementary tests.

Paediatric Specialist and Paediatric Neurology Consultant, Prof. Setyo Handryastuti, stated that the examination results showed the patient’s brain function is in good condition. “God willing, I can ensure that there is no brain function impairment in the first child,” said Prof. Handryastuti during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Prof. Handry explained that this confirmation was obtained after the team conducted interviews, physical and neurological examinations, and supplementary tests such as electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain function. Given these results, the patient is deemed to have the opportunity to return to daily activities, including attending school.

“Therefore, God willing, in the future, the child can go back to school, resume activities, and be cheerful again. Currently, our focus is on the clinical management of this first patient moving forward,” she added.

Previously, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin assembled a team of experts at RSCM to handle the student from Karo suspected of being an MBG victim. The team comprised paediatric specialists, neurologists, child psychiatrists, and internal medicine specialists. Additionally, the paediatric collegium was called upon to assist in conducting a comprehensive examination of the patient to ensure their condition through multi-disciplinary medical assessment.

The two suspected victims of MBG poisoning were transported from North Sumatra to Jakarta on Saturday (12/9) via commercial aircraft, accompanied by parents and medical personnel. Upon arrival in Jakarta, both patients received further treatment and examination at RSCM.