Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Coronation Hospital on Monday to assess the condition of those hospitalized after consuming buckwheat flour suspected to be adulterated. The flour, supplied from Saharanpur, has led to over 100 cases of food poisoning in Dehradun district.
According to an official release, preliminary findings suggest that the flour’s adulteration may have caused the health crisis. Addressing the media, CM Dhami confirmed that the dealer’s shop had been sealed, and notices were issued to all locations where the flour was distributed. He also stated that the Saharanpur administration had been informed, and an investigation is underway.
"The buckwheat flour was supplied from Saharanpur. The dealer's shop has been sealed. A notice has been given to all the other places where the flour was supplied. We have informed the Saharanpur administration regarding the same. People who fell ill are receiving treatment here. Whoever is responsible for this will not be spared. An investigation is underway," CM Dhami told reporters.
The Chief Minister personally met the hospitalized patients and wished them a speedy recovery. He instructed the District Magistrate of Dehradun and Health Department officials to ensure proper treatment and increase the number of hospital beds if required.
Currently, 66 patients are admitted to Coronation Hospital, while 44 others are being treated at Doon Medical College. CM Dhami reiterated that the entire supply chain of the contaminated flour has been identified, with shops linked to the original dealer also being notified. The Saharanpur district administration has been alerted, and a joint investigation is in progress.
He assured that full medical arrangements have been made for the patients and directed the Health Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible.
To prevent future incidents, CM Dhami emphasized a coordinated effort between the Health Department, Food Safety Department, and other relevant agencies to investigate the matter comprehensively. He affirmed that action will be taken against any negligence to ensure food safety and public health.