Andhra CM orders inquiry after villagers fall ill following anti-malaria drug distribution

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident at Gollaguppa village in Polavaram district following reports that a girl died after allegedly reacting adversely to an anti-malaria tablet (chloroquine).

The Chief Minister, late on Tuesday (September 1, 2026), spoke to senior officials of the Health and Medical Department and the district Collector to ascertain the facts and directed them to ensure the best possible medical treatment for all those affected.

Officials told Mr. Naidu that medicines had been distributed to 71 people in the village. Of those who fell ill, 29 were taken to the Bhadrachalam Area Hospital in neighbouring Telangana for treatment, while another 24 were receiving treatment at the Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre.

A medical camp was set up in the village immediately after the authorities learnt about the incident, and medical examinations were conducted on residents.

The Chintoor ITDA Project Officer, the ASP and other officials visited the Bhadrachalam hospital and asked about the condition of the affected persons. Officials said the health condition of all the patients was stable and clarified that reports claiming two deaths were untrue.

Senior officials have dispatched a nine-member medical team from the Kakinada Government General Hospital. Collector K. Dinesh said three more specialised teams had left from Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram and Kakinada.

The Chief Minister ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.