A devastating fire broke out late Friday night in the neonatal unit of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claiming the lives of 10 newborns. The tragedy unfolded around 10:30 p.m. due to a suspected malfunction in an oxygen-enrichment machine. Authorities have rescued 39 infants, with one child still reported missing.
Disturbing visuals from the scene showed burnt beds and helpless families standing outside the hospital. “My child is gone for good,” wailed a mother who lost her child. The rescued babies, barely days old, were transferred into a safer ward at the hospital for care and observation.
The chief of the hospital, Dr Narendra Sengar, confirmed the deaths but praised the quick actions of the staff, which saved dozens of infants. “Doctors and staff risked their own lives to save the children. They are real heroes,” Sengar stated. He also refuted earlier reports of injuries among the rescued babies, affirming their stable condition.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured families that the incident would be properly investigated. He promised families that faults in machinery had been responsible for the mishap. However, there was a safety audit this year, wherein the hospital was declared compliant. Pathak assured strict action against lapses. The government maintains its pledge to improve hospital safety.
As reported, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the tragic incident describing it as “heart-wrenching.” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of โน500,000 ($5,900) to each grieved family and promised improved safety measures at all hospitals in the state.
It comes barely six months after a similar fire in New Delhi and serves to indicate the need for new safety protocols in healthcare facilities. The Union Health Ministry has asked states to form district-level committees that will inspect hospitals for fire safety compliance and enforce penalties as necessary.
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