Over 30 children fall ill during deworming drive in Chilas

CHILAS: More than 30 children fell ill during a school-based deworming campaign in Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan region, officials said on Tuesday, prompting an investigation into the incident.

The children, students of a government boys’ school in the Satellite Town area, reported adverse symptoms after taking deworming medication administered as part of a public health drive.

All affected children were shifted to the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Hospital in Chilas for immediate medical attention, hospital officials said.

“Most of the children were discharged after receiving first aid, and all are now out of danger,” said Dr Mohammad Nawab, the hospital’s medical superintendent.

Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Mohammad Owais Abbasi, visited the hospital to check on the children and review the medical response.

“There will be no compromise on children’s health. A full inquiry into the incident has been ordered,” Abbasi said, adding that the specific batch of the medicine and its storage conditions would be thoroughly examined.

The health department said the deworming medicine used in the campaign was approved by the World Health Organization and met international standards, noting that mild side effects could occur in some cases.

Hospital authorities said timely intervention ensured that all affected children were stabilised, while officials urged parents not to pay attention to rumours surrounding the incident.

Mass deworming campaigns are routinely conducted in Pakistan to prevent parasitic infections among school-age children, particularly in underserved regions.