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10 newborn innocents killed in Jhansi’s medical college, UP govt orders three-tier probe, faces criticism for negligence

System collapse in UP: in a massive fire broke out at a neonatal ward of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, 10 newborn innocents’ loose their life; grieving parents of deceased asking only one question “Who will bring back our children?”

Jhansi hospital fire: A woman rushes a child to the emergency ward after a fire broke out in a neonatal intensive care unit at Jhansi Medical College hospital in Jhansi, India, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.(AP)

On the late night of November 15 (Friday), a devastating fire erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Reports confirm that at least 10 newborns lost their lives, while 17 others were injured in this tragic incident.

The fire that engulfed the NICU ward between 10:30 PM and 10:45 PM triggered a stampede-like chaos within the hospital. Six fire brigades were quickly deployed to control the blaze, which was finally extinguished by 12:30 AM. Sources revealed that the safety alarms failed to activate, delaying the evacuation. The Chief Medical Superintendent stated that the fire started at an oxygen concentrator and spread rapidly, reported Times of India

Jhansi DM Avinash Kumar confirmed that the fire in the NICU was caused by a short circuit. He added that the majority of the newborns in the unit were safely rescued, but refrained from commenting on how many remain in serious condition.

Also, Jhansi DIG Kalanidhi Naithani said that there are 54 infants in the ward. Sixteen suffered minor injuries and 28 are safe. The DM office Jhansi also issued a helpline number to information about family members regarding the accident that happened in Medial College Jhansi.

Parents recounts the horror of tragedy in hospital

As flames engulfed the ward, parents frantically tried to rescue their children amidst chaotic instructions and a lack of clear communication from hospital authorities. For Rani Sen, an aunt of one of the affected infants, the entire ordeal remains clouded in confusion. “They told us to go in and take our children, but by then, many had already perished,”. She raised concerns about the hospital’s identification process, demanding DNA tests to confirm her baby’s fate. “If the tags were burned or misplaced, how can they be sure which child is mine? I even found a baby who wasn’t mine and admitted him under my name,” she said, as TOI reports.

Another mother, Santoshi from Mahoba district, described the helplessness she felt during the fire. “I don’t know where my baby is. The fire broke out, and I couldn’t get inside to save him. No one could. Everyone was running in panic,” she said, adding that the hospital had previously denied her access to her child.

UP govt announce ex gratia and orders three-tier probe

Following instructions from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, along with the Principal Secretary of Health and ADG of Kanpur, were dispatched to Jhansi to oversee the rescue operations. The CM also directed the Jhansi Divisional Commissioner and DIG to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours.

The Uttar Pradesh government announced that a three-tier investigation will be conducted into the devastating fire at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi. Speaking to reporters on November 16, (Saturday), Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak vowed that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He also assured support for the families of the deceased infants. “The death of these newborns is deeply unfortunate. We are working with the families to identify the bodies. The first probe will be conducted at the administrative level by the Health Department, followed by an investigation by the Police administration. The fire department will also be involved, and a magisterial inquiry will be carried out. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the fire,” Pathak stated.

In the wake of the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. “On the CM’s instructions, Rs 5 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased newborns, and Rs 50,000 to the families of those injured,” as confirmed by the DM office, Jhansi.

Additionally, PM Modi also announces ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased

Opposition slams Yogi govt over the incident, said “direct case of negligence”

Former UP Chief Minister and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the tragic fire at Jhansi Medical College. He expressed his condolences to the families and called the incident a result of negligence in medical management or substandard equipment. Yadav criticized the Yogi government for focusing on election campaigns rather than addressing the state’s deteriorating healthcare. “This is not just a government responsibility, but also a moral duty” he wrote on his social media handle X.

Akhilesh Yadav demanded a thorough investigation and urged the government to provide world-class medical care and Rs. 1 crore compensation to the grieving families.

However, Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi also slammed the government over the tragic incident at Jhansi Medical College. He said on X that, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Jhansi Medical College, which has led to the death of several newborns and left many others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

He further said that, “the series of such tragic events happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh raises serious questions about the negligence of the government and administration.”

NHRC takes suo moto cognizance

Moreover, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also takes suo motu cognizance of the incident. The NHRC called the incident disturbing and a clear case of negligence, violating the human rights of the victims. NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, seeking a detailed report within a week, including the status of the FIR, actions taken, medical care for the injured, and compensation to the victims’ families.

Despite the hospital horror, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s focus seems to be on external political issues, such as addressing opposition accusations and campaigning in other states, rather than confronting the glaring failures in his own state’s healthcare system. How can the state’s leadership prioritize political rhetoric like “Batoge Toh Katoge” (you’ll face consequences) in other states, while such a horrific tragedy unfolds under their own watch?

The heart-wrenching cries of parents in Jhansi, asking, “Who will bring back our children?” demand a moral reckoning from those in power.

Related:

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