Andhra CM orders probe into anti-malaria drug reaction after girl's death; 53 hospitalised
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into an incident at Gollaguppa village in Polavaram district, where 53 villagers required medical treatment after allegedly reacting adversely to anti-malaria tablets. The action came late on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) following reports that a girl had died after consuming the drug.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister that the medicines, identified as chloroquine, had been distributed to 71 residents of the village as part of a malaria control drive. Of those who fell ill, 29 were admitted to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital in neighbouring Telangana, while another 24 were receiving care at the Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre. A medical camp was set up in the village immediately after authorities were alerted, and health screenings were conducted for all residents.
The death of the girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, has not been officially confirmed as linked to the drug. Officials, however, dismissed social media reports claiming two deaths, stating that the claim was untrue. They added that the condition of all patients in both hospitals was stable.
The administration has mobilised additional medical support. A nine-member team from Kakinada Government General Hospital has been dispatched to the village, and three specialised teams from Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram, and Kakinada have also been deployed. District Collector K. Dinesh said these teams would assist in treatment and monitoring. Senior officials, including the Chintoor ITDA Project Officer and the Additional Superintendent of Police, visited Bhadrachalam hospital to assess the patients' health and ensure proper care.
The Chief Minister directed health officials to provide the best possible treatment to all affected and to investigate the distribution process, including the quality of the drugs and the method of administration. The inquiry will also examine whether proper medical protocols were followed during the anti-malaria drive. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.
