Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Brajesh Pathak announced on Wednesday the removal of the principal of Jhansi Medical College and the suspension of three other individuals in connection with the November 15 fire that claimed the lives of 10 newborns.
The Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, where the incident occurred, has also been charge-sheeted.
“Based on the investigation report of the four-member committee constituted on the instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister, the principal of the college has been removed. The Chief Medical Superintendent has been charge-sheeted, and three others have been suspended,” said Health Minister Pathak.
The Tragic Incident
The fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which housed 54 newborns at the time. Preliminary findings suggest that the blaze started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. The fire spread rapidly in the oxygen-rich environment, leading to the deaths of 10 infants.
National Response and Directives
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava issued directives to all Chief Secretaries of states and union territories to review fire safety measures in health facilities. In a letter dated November 19, the Health Secretary underscored the importance of fire prevention, preparedness, and mitigation, citing earlier communications on the issue.
“This is in continuation of this Ministry’s previous communications via DO letters dated March 23, May 29, June 6, and July 30… wherein State Health Departments were requested to review and enhance capacities for fire accident prevention, preparedness, and mitigation in health facilities,” the letter stated.
Fire Safety Enhancements
The letter also included a detailed checklist for fire safety and urged states and union territories to:
- Update fire prevention plans in healthcare facilities immediately.
- Train healthcare staff in fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and the use of fire-fighting equipment.
This incident has sparked widespread calls for accountability and strengthened fire safety protocols in healthcare institutions across the country.