Yogi Adityanath meets hospitalised special needs kids who fell sick at govt rehab centre

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the hospitalised special needs children of a government rehabilitation centre on Friday after four kids died and over a dozen others fell ill at the centre, possibly after drinking contaminated water, officials said.

The chief minister reached the Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital, and met the children from the shelter home who fell ill and are currently receiving treatment.

The CM accompanied by senior officials and doctors interacted with the children. He also took stock of their condition from the doctors overseeing their medication and directed them to ensure the best possible treatment.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday visited the hospital where around 16 children were under treatment.

After his visit to the hospital, officials said Adityanath may visit the rehab centre.

The Nirvan Rajkiya Bal Grih, located in the Para area of Lucknow, houses 147 children, primarily orphans and those with mental disabilities.

More than 20 children with special needs at the centre fell ill after drinking contaminated water and were sent to a hospital on Tuesday evening.

Lucknow District Magistrate Vishak G told PTI on Thursday that four children -- two girls and two boys, aged between 12 and 17 -- have died. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and the viscera will be preserved for further analysis.

On Thursday, Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob suggested that the consumption of contaminated water could have made the children ill.

The district administration has initiated an investigation into the incident.