Amravati hospital fire deaths: CM Fadnavis orders probe; Oppn says negligence

Mumbai/Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday issued orders to the health administration to conduct a high-level inquiry into the death of three newborn babies in the fire that broke out at the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati.

In his post on X, CM Fadnavis said, “The strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible for this incident. Both the Health Minister and the Secretary have been instructed to visit Amravati today itself. The incident of the death of three children is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. We share in the grief of their families.”

He further added, “The state government will provide financial assistance of 5 lakh rupees to the families of the deceased. Instructions have also been given to the Amravati District Collector to provide treatment to the injured children at government expense. Fortunately, 36 children were successfully rescued unharmed in this incident.”

However, the opposition parties sharply criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the deaths of three infants after a devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati during the early hours, while six others are currently undergoing treatment at a local Super Speciality Hospital.

The NCP(SP) Working President and MP Supriya Sule claimed that this was an extremely heart-wrenching incident. “Mothers and fathers eagerly await their baby, but to lose that child in such a manner – what ordeal must have befallen them is unimaginable. This is not merely an accident but a glaring example of negligence in the system. A thorough investigation of the entire matter must be conducted, and the strictest possible action must be taken against those responsible. Along with this, there is a need to conduct fire audits of all government and private hospitals in Maharashtra, as well as safety audits of medical equipment,” she demanded.

She further said, ” I express my condolences to the families who have lost their children in this incident. Heartfelt tribute to the departed. May the injured newborns recover soon and return to their mother’s lap – this is my prayer at the feet of God.”

Further, the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that the tragic fire incident at the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati was extremely heartbreaking and infuriating. Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out due to an explosion in a ventilator early in the morning.

“In a hospital where newborn babies are expected to receive safe and state-of-the-art treatment, the burning to death of innocent children in a fire is not merely an accident, but an incident that raises serious questions about the safety of the government health system. If there is negligence regarding fire safety arrangements in hospitals, regular inspection of equipment, and maintenance of oxygen and electrical systems, then whose responsibility is it? No drama of inquiry after innocent lives are lost; fix accountability and take strict action against the guilty,” he remarked.

Wadettiwar demanded that an investigation into this incident must be conducted, and the families of the deceased children should receive justice and appropriate assistance. To prevent such accidents in the future, an immediate audit of fire safety and medical equipment in all government hospitals across the state must be carried out, he said.

The Maharashtra NCP(SP) chief Shashikant Shinde demanded that the government should take action against the concerned officers. On the other hand, former minister Anil Deshmukh said that the government had set up a high-level committee after the death of 10 newborn babies in Bhandara hospital took place in January 2021. “Ironically, the committee’s report is gathering dust. Had the government implemented the report, today’s heartbreaking incident may have been averted,” he noted.

Earlier, expressing deep anguish over the loss, the Amravati District Guardian Minister and Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule offered heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pledged full government support during this crisis.

“I am deeply saddened by today’s tragic incident in Amravati. My heart goes out to the affected families,” said the Guardian Minister. “I pay my solemn tributes to the departed newborns and pray that God gives their parents the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

The Minister confirmed that a comprehensive inquiry into the incident has been ordered. District administration officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation, ensure uninterrupted medical care for the injured infants, and extend all necessary aid to the victims’ families. Emergency measures remain active at the site.

IANS