19 STUDENTS CONTRACT TB IN NURSING COLLEGE HOSTEL

19 STUDENTS CONTRACT TB IN NURSING COLLEGE HOSTEL

8-MAY-ENG 3       

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI----------------------------A shocking incident has come to light from the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing College, located in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Here, 19 students have been found infected with Tuberculosis (TB) simultaneously. Taking a strong stance on this grave negligence, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken *suo motu* cognizance of the matter.

The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh government, seeking a detailed report on the entire matter within two weeks. The Commission clarified that if the facts presented in media reports are accurate, it constitutes a serious violation of human rights and the right to health.

According to media reports, two separate inspections of the institution were conducted on March 31 and April 17, 2026. These inspections revealed a grim picture of the hostel conditions:

•           **Unsanitary Conditions:** Students were forced to live in severely overcrowded rooms amidst dampness and filth.

•           **Lack of Nutrition:** The quality of food provided in the hostel was found to be extremely poor, lacking basic nutritional value.

•           **Forced Labor:** It is alleged that students were denied rest even when they were ill. They were reportedly compelled to work as hospital staff, even during their holidays.

Shockingly, despite officials identifying these deficiencies during their inspections, no corrective measures were implemented. It is this very oversight by the administration that resulted in 19 students falling victim to this serious disease in such a short span of time.

This incident has raised serious questions regarding the safety and health infrastructure within the hostels of educational institutions across the state.