4 children in hospital – Children’s Ombudsman refutes Ministry of Health statement

Earlier, it was reported that 37 children suffered from mass food poisoning at four preschool educational institutions in the Forish district of Jizzakh region. Later, the Ministry of Health issued a statement on the incident, reporting at 13:02 today that only two children remained under medical observation for preventive purposes.

The Children’s Ombudsman also released an official statement on the case. It was noted that the Ombudsman conducted on-site monitoring at state preschool educational institutions No. 1, 3, 5, and 7 in the Forish district of Jizzakh region. The monitoring involved representatives from the regional Health Department, the regional branch of the National Agency for Social Protection, and the deputy khokim of Forish district. In each kindergarten where children’s health was affected, compliance with food safety and nutrition standards was reviewed, and relevant documentation was examined.

During the study, several shortcomings and issues were identified, and instructions were given to responsible authorities to address them. It was decided to submit a report to higher organizations regarding violations of children’s rights.

As part of the monitoring, the Children’s Ombudsman visited the Children’s Department of the Forish District Medical Association to review the treatment process and medical records of kindergarten children who had complained of illness on October 9–10.

“Currently (as of October 10, 21:00), four children (two girls and two boys aged 4–6) remain under medical supervision at the district medical association. They are receiving all necessary treatment. The children’s condition is satisfactory, and none are in serious condition,” the official report stated.

As mentioned, the Ministry of Health previously reported that only two children had been hospitalized.

The Children’s Ombudsman also met with the children receiving treatment and their parents to discuss their health condition and the progress of medical care.

It should be recalled that during the epidemiological investigation, doctors found that the children had consumed products such as biokefir, cottage cheese, and butter at the preschool institutions on October 8. Based on medical history and initial examinations, the children were diagnosed with “acute diarrhea” and provided with inpatient treatment.