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Newborns Die in Hospital Fire; Officials Suspended
10 Sep
Summary
- Three newborns died in a fire at Amravati District Women's Hospital.
- Serious lapses in equipment maintenance and fire safety were found.
- Five officials suspended; two companies face blacklisting proceedings.
A fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit of Amravati District Women's Hospital on August 24 resulted in the tragic deaths of three newborns. The incident occurred while 36 other infants were safely evacuated and transferred to different medical facilities. A subsequent inquiry, led by Health Services Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, uncovered significant maintenance failures concerning ventilators and medical equipment, alongside non-operational fire alarms and sprinkler systems. The fire pump house was also found to be locked at the time of the blaze.
In response to the inquiry's findings, the Maharashtra government has ordered disciplinary actions. Five officials, including the Medical Superintendent and Deputy Director of Health Services, have been suspended pending further investigation due to prima facie supervisory lapses. Additionally, proceedings have been initiated to blacklist two companies, AOV International LLP and Schiller Company, for alleged equipment supply and maintenance deficiencies.
To prevent future tragedies, the government has mandated CCTV installations in all Special Newborn Care Units and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Mandatory fire safety mock drills will now be conducted in government hospitals, along with stricter adherence to standard operating procedures for fire and electrical safety and equipment maintenance. District collectors and other local authorities are tasked with completing hospital safety audits within three months.
