Water may not be the culprit

Reports of tests on water samples from the garment factory, Page Industries Limited, at Bommasandra has revealed traces of coliform organism that is considered to render water unfit for drinking.

“We had collected water samples from several places in the factory. Water contamination has been found in one of the sintex tanks. However, reports revealed that all other sources of water in the factory like tanks and drums had safe drinking water,” said Dr M Thimmappa, District Health Officer, Bangalore Urban.

The water used  by the caterer of the factory canteen also tested safe. “The tests have proved that water may not be the major cause for people falling sick. We are awaiting the food sample reports. Also, blood samples of the patients have been sent for testing in the  forensic laboratory,” he added.

Meanwhile, most of the affected workers of the factory are doing well now.  Only 23 employees are still admitted at Narayana Hrudayalaya and nine at St John’s Hospital.

Hundreds of employees of the garment factory complained of diarrhoea and stomach ache after reporting to work on January 1 and had to be hospitalised.