The 84 patients arrived at RIMS between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m., all suffering from severe diarrhea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. The majority were BSF soldiers from Company D of the 58th Battalion, who had arrived in Phayeng Wednesday for a training exercise. The outbreak followed a breakfast of puri and potato curry served at 8:30 a.m. at Don Bosco School's mess hall.
Konthoujam praised the RIMS doctors for their swift response and assured the public that the patients were stable, except one critical case. He also noted the hospital had no shortages of supplies and was managing the situation effectively.
The cause of the outbreak remains undetermined, and officials are investigating the food safety practices at the school.
A soldier's wife, Meena Devi, said she feared for her husband's life after he collapsed on the school premises.
The ministry will monitor the patients' recovery and review the school's food safety protocols.