Barabanki, 16 November (IANS). The tragic accident that took place on Friday night at Rani Laxmibai Medical College, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh not only shocked people, but also exposed the serious flaws in the government health system.
10 newborns lost their lives due to a sudden fire in the NICU ward, while 17 other newborns were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment. This accident has raised questions not only on the hospital management but also on the safety standards of the health system.
After this tragic accident in Jhansi, the officials did a reality check of Barabanki District Women’s Hospital to find out whether the arrangements there are better or there are some shortcomings which can become the reason for such accidents in future.
In the reality check, all the arrangements to deal with the fire incident in the District Women’s Hospital were found to be in place. However, NOC for the fire system has still not been given by the engineer. Fire fighting equipment is checked every week by conducting mock drills in the District Women’s Hospital.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar, CMS of District Women’s Hospital, said that the hospital has all the necessary arrangements to deal with any fire related incident. All doctors remain on duty. The children are being well taken care of. There is no shortage here.
He said, “The NOC of the fire system has not been received from the engineer yet. The fire system is fine here. The NOC will be received soon. Every week, mock drills are conducted in the hospital to check the fire related equipment. The staff has been asked to extinguish the fire today. Special training has also been given. Adequate resources are available in the hospital to deal with the incident.
Let us tell you that 10 newborns died in a fire in the NICU ward of ‘Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College’ in Jhansi on Friday. At the same time, about 47 newborns were saved, while 17 other newborns were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment.
Chief Medical Superintendent Sachin Mahor said that 54 children were admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside the oxygen concentrator. Efforts were made to extinguish the fire, but due to the room being highly oxygenated, the fire spread rapidly. Many children were saved. 10 children died. The injured children are undergoing treatment.
–IANS
FZ/AKJ
