Ummna, a student from Mangalore enrolled at the Shahin Institute in Beedr, became seriously ill while staying in the institute’s hostel and is now receiving treatment in a Mangalore hospital in a comatose condition, her parents said on Tuesday.
Her father, Ashpak Sheikh, told reporters at the Mangalore Press Club that the hostel nursing unit initially attended to Ummna when she complained of severe stomach pain and general weakness. He alleges that despite the worsening of her symptoms, the institute failed to arrange timely medical intervention or transfer her to a hospital.
When the family finally moved Ummna to a private city hospital, doctors diagnosed typhoid fever. By then, the infection had damaged her kidneys and brain, leaving her in a critical state. The family has already spent Rs 35 lakh on her care, yet the institute has not responded to requests for treatment records, nursing logs, or CCTV footage from the hostel.
Ashpak Sheikh, accompanied by relatives Saeed Sharif and Shaukat, also highlighted that several other children at the hostel have suffered from ailments such as jaundice and typhoid. He urged that a comprehensive health check be carried out for all residents and that the institute be held accountable under applicable laws.
The family says they informed State Health Minister U.T. Khader on 15th September via WhatsApp, but received no reply. Appeals have also been made to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Education Minister, without any substantive response. “My daughter joined the Shahin Institute expecting quality education, not a health nightmare,” the father said, calling for an immediate, impartial investigation into the hostel’s practices.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK