Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 9: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday ordered the suspension of key health department personnel in connection with the death of three infants in a fire that broke out at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Amravati District Women's Hospital on August 24.

Those suspended include the deputy director of Health Services (Akola Circle), medical superintendent of the Amravati Women's Hospital, additional district civil surgeon (Amravati), administrative officer and electrician of the hospital. They were held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses.

The action followed the completion of an inquiry by a high-level committee and submission of its report to the state government. The Public Health Department has directed strict action against those found responsible.

During the incident, 36 infants were rescued and safely shifted to other hospitals.

According to the inquiry report, serious lapses were found in technical inspections and equipment maintenance. These included failure to carry out timely servicing of ventilators, non-functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house.

In view of the negligence, irresponsible behaviour, supervisory failures and "unpardonable carelessness" highlighted in the report, disciplinary action has been ordered against the concerned officers and staff under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.

Administrative action has also been ordered against contractual employees, while directions have been issued to penalise officials found responsible from the Public Works Department (PWD).

The inquiry found M/s AOV International LLP guilty, following which directions were issued to blacklist the company.

Prima facie defects were also identified in services provided by Shilar Company. The government has ordered that its forensic report be expedited and blacklisting proceedings initiated against the company.

Hospitals to get stricter safety measures

To prevent similar tragedies, the state government has decided to substantially strengthen security and safety protocols across government hospitals.

Directives have been issued to install CCTV cameras in all SNCUs and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), besides making fire safety mock drills mandatory in every hospital.

Hospitals have also been directed to strictly implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering fire safety, electrical safety and maintenance of medical equipment.

Commissioner of Health Services Sanjay Katkar has been tasked with holding regular meetings with the PWD, electrical, fire, bio-technical and maintenance departments to review hospital safety and ensure effective oversight of necessary measures.

All District Collectors, Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads and Municipal Commissioners across Maharashtra have been instructed to ensure that electrical and fire safety audits of all hospitals under their jurisdictions are completed within three months.

The Commissioner of Health Services has also been directed to ensure fire safety audits, monitoring and compliance reporting in public and private hospitals through the respective District Civil Surgeons.

Meanwhile, the state government has directed that awards and recognition be given to officers and staff who displayed courage and risked their lives to rescue the infants and move them to safety during the disaster.