Amravati, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : The Maharashtra government has suspended five senior officials from the health department following a tragic incident at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital. On August 24, a fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), leading to the deaths of three newborns.
Those suspended include the Deputy Director of Health Services for the Akola Circle, the Medical Superintendent of Amravati Women’s Hospital, an Additional District Civil Surgeon, an administrative officer, and the hospital’s electrician. The government held these officials responsible for negligence in supervision and monitoring.
This action comes after a high-level inquiry committee submitted its report, which prompted the public health department to order strict measures against those found culpable. During the fire, 36 newborns were safely evacuated and transferred to other hospitals.
The inquiry revealed serious lapses in technical inspections and equipment maintenance. Specifically, it noted that ventilators had not been serviced timely, fire alarms and sprinkler systems were non-functional, and the fire pump house was found to be locked.
Due to the negligence and irresponsible behavior identified in the report, the government has initiated departmental action under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, against the involved officials and staff. Additionally, administrative actions have been ordered against contract employees, and punitive measures are to be taken against responsible officers from the Public Works Department.
The investigation also implicated M/S AOV International LLP, leading to directives for the company to be blacklisted. Furthermore, initial flaws were discovered in the services of Shilar Company, prompting an order for a forensic report and the initiation of blacklisting procedures.
To prevent future incidents, the state government has decided to enhance safety measures in government hospitals. This includes installing CCTV cameras in all SNCUs and NICUs and mandating regular fire safety drills in every hospital.
Additionally, stringent implementation of standard operating procedures related to fire safety, electrical safety, and medical equipment maintenance has been ordered. Health Service Commissioner Sanjay Katkar has been tasked with conducting regular review meetings with various departments to ensure effective monitoring of hospital safety.
District collectors, chief executive officers of district councils, and municipal commissioners have been instructed to complete electrical and fire safety audits for all hospitals in their jurisdictions within three months. The government has also emphasized the need for fire safety audits and compliance reporting for both public and private hospitals.
Lastly, officials and staff who risked their lives to save the newborns during the incident are to be honored for their bravery.
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