Mumbai, August 24: A devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Amravati District Women’s Hospital has resulted in the tragic deaths of three infants. The opposition has criticized the state government, asserting that this incident is not merely an accident but a clear example of systemic negligence.
NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule took to the social media platform X to express her sorrow, stating, “The fire, caused by an explosion in a ventilator, has led to the loss of three newborns, with several others in critical condition. This is an incredibly heartbreaking incident.”
She further emphasized the emotional toll on parents, saying, “Parents eagerly await their children, but losing them in such a manner is unimaginable. This is not just an accident; it reflects a failure in our system.”
Sule has called for a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. She also highlighted the need for fire audits and safety checks of medical equipment in all government and private hospitals across Maharashtra.
In her post on X, she expressed her condolences to the families affected, stating, “I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their children. May the deceased rest in peace, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured infants.”
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar commented on the incident, saying, “Whenever such tragedies occur, it is the poor who suffer the most. It seems the government does not care for the lives of the underprivileged. Over the past three years, approximately 44,000 children have died due to malnutrition, severe illnesses, accidents, and snake bites in tribal schools and hostels. This issue also requires urgent attention.”
Pawar criticized the current government for prioritizing the wealthy, stating, “The government favors big corporations while neglecting the poor.”
He recalled a similar incident in 2021 that led to the formation of a special committee tasked with auditing hospitals across Maharashtra and recommending necessary measures. “The committee submitted its report, but sadly, no action has been taken. The government should prepare a six-month action plan based on that report and inform the public about the measures being implemented in every government hospital in Maharashtra.”
Former minister and Congress leader Yashomati Chandrakant Thakur, after visiting the hospital, remarked, “There was no fire brigade present. It is the responsibility of the ruling party. We often receive calls from people reporting that doctors are unavailable at the hospital. Sometimes, we have to visit the hospital ourselves to speak with the doctors.”
Thakur recounted a distressing incident involving a woman who was not attended to in time, resulting in the death of her child in utero.
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