Health Crisis Grips IIIT-H as Students Suffer Food Poisoning and Typhoid Outbreak

HYDERABAD: Students at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) , have complained of food poisoning and a mass typhoid outbreak. They have to subscribe to the college mess, where, students said, the conditions were appalling. Complaints of cockroaches in food, flies, and a chronic lack of handwash are common. One student remarked, “It’s as if there’s more oil than food on our plates, and that’s not even the worst part.” Grievances are routinely ignored, students said. Health authorities at the hostel have blamed food orders from app-based delivery services for the illnesses. However, students said that food from outside was safer than the mess offerings. The authorities’ denial and the resultant inaction have forced many students to stop reporting their illnesses altogether, fearing it would be futile. Several high school students attending a programme at IIIT-H fell severely ill and were hospitalised. “These students had not ordered food from outside. The administration concealed this incident from the student body, resulting in dozens of preventable illnesses,” another student said. Last year, a significant typhoid outbreak affected over 40 students due to contaminated water, the students alleged. The boys’ hostel warden reportedly intimidated students from getting tested, spreading misinformation about the symptoms. “The administration’s response involved cover-ups and false promises. New water coolers were installed, but mostly in academic and research buildings, neglecting the boys’ hostel where most cases originated,” another student told Deccan Chronicle. Living conditions at IIIT-H have deteriorated to such an extent that falling ill monthly has become a norm for many students, they said. A second-year student of the computer science programme demanded that the living conditions be looked into. A student wishing to be anonymous, stated, “The disparity in food and water quality between faculty and students is glaring. The faculty ensure their provisions are clean, while we suffer. Recently, over 70 students, including high school kids, got food poisoning, with some even hospitalised.” IIIT-H director Prof. P.J. Narayanan could not reached for comment.