Sudden illness of garment workers in Ashulia: Investigation committee outlines 2 recommendations

A 6-member medical team taskforce has put forward two specific recommendations following its investigation into the sudden illness of garment workers at several factories in Ashulia. The recommendations are: arranging regular health check-ups and mental health counseling for the workers, and forming a new high-level medical team comprising specialist physicians to conduct a more detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Dr. Fazle Bari, the Savar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, informed on Thursday (July 2) that the 6-member probe committee from the Savar Upazila Health Complex submitted their report on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, workers at several garment factories in the Amtala, Zirabo, and Pukurpar areas of Ashulia suddenly fell ill. They were provided medical treatment at various local hospitals. Following the incident, an investigation committee was formed last Tuesday, headed by Dr. Saidul Islam, the Resident Medical Officer of Savar Upazila Health Complex.

The members of the investigation committee inspected six factories on June 30. During the visit, they spoke with the workers, factory officials, affected workers, factory medical teams, and the authorities of the private hospitals that provided medical care.

The investigation report noted that the ill workers exhibited symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Some had eaten food at home before coming to work, while others had joined duty on an empty stomach. The factory authorities did not supply any food to the workers.

The report further stated that the workers were initially treated at the factories' own medical centers. Later, those who felt better were granted leave and sent home to rest. Those whose physical conditions did not improve were sent to various nearby private hospitals. Doctors at those hospitals reported that after receiving treatment, most of the workers recovered and left the hospital voluntarily.

Dr. Fazle Bari mentioned that the investigation report has been forwarded to the higher authorities. No major issues were found within the factories during the investigation. However, necessary steps are being taken to implement the two recommendations provided by the probe committee.