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Amravati Hospital Fire: Officials Suspended After Newborn Deaths
9 Sep
Summary
- Four officials and a technician suspended following a hospital fire.
- Inquiry revealed critical lapses in equipment maintenance and safety systems.
- Government orders blacklisting of two private companies involved.
Over two weeks after three newborn babies perished in a fire at Amravati District Women's Hospital, the Maharashtra government has ordered the suspension of four officials and a technician. This decisive action follows a high-level inquiry committee's finding that they were prima facie responsible for negligence and supervisory lapses.
The inquiry uncovered serious systemic failures. These included inadequate maintenance of ventilators, non-operational fire alarm and sprinkler systems, a locked fire pump house, and significant faults in equipment maintenance and technical inspections. The suspended personnel include key figures like the deputy director of health services, the hospital's medical superintendent, and the administrative officer.
Three infants tragically died, and 36 others were rescued following the fire that erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on August 24. An explosion in a ventilator is believed to have triggered the blaze. In response, the government has also ordered the blacklisting of two private companies, M/s AOV International LLP and another firm facing potential blacklisting pending a forensic report.
To prevent future tragedies, the government plans to enhance safety measures in state-run hospitals. This includes installing CCTV systems in critical care units and making fire-safety mock drills mandatory. Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures for fire safety, electrical safety, and equipment maintenance will be enforced. Electrical and fire safety audits of all hospitals will be completed within three months across Maharashtra.
