BAHAWALNAGAR: All 11 members of a family were hospitalised on Thursday after falling ill after drinking the milk they claimed had been supplied to students at Government Girls Primary School (GGPS) at 186/7-R under the CM Milk Programme.

According to a Rescue 1122 report, seven members of the family, including women and children, fell ill on the eve of Oct 20 after consuming contaminated milk at village 186/7-R in Khichiwala. They were provided with first aid before being shifted to a hospital.

The affected individuals were identified as Arsalan, Shahzad, Zaman, Abdul Rehman, Qirat, Fiza and Hanifan Bibi.

However, a report issued by Khichiwala police, a copy of which is available with Dawn, stated that 11 family members had been affected. They were identified as Abdul Rehman (76), Abdul Sattar (45), Abdul Raza (38), Shahzad (30), Hanifan Bibi (70), Adeela (35), Qurat Raza (16), Umm-i-Marwa (13), Muhammad Zaman (14), Arsalan (7) and Abdul Hadi (7).

The police report stated that the family had consumed milk distributed at the school, following which their condition deteriorated.

They were taken to hospital in a semiconscious state.

Meanwhile, Abdul Sattar, one of the affected family members, alleged in a video clip circulating on social media that the school administration had distributed the milk to students under the CM Punjab Milk Programme. He said his daughter had brought the milk home from school and that the entire family fell ill after drinking tea prepared with it.

He urged the education officials and other relevant authorities to investigate whether the milk was expired or contaminated and take action against those responsible.

However, a report issued by the Fort Abbas district education officer on Oct 21 stated that 132 of the 155 students enrolled at the school had consumed milk distributed under the programme, but no complaints of illness had been received.

When contacted, Chief Executive Officer (Education) Dr Attaur Rehman said an inquiry had found no problem with the quality of the milk. He added that the milk cartons in the family`s possession carried an expiry date of Jan 12, 2027.