Jhansi Fire Incident: Demise of 10 infants at Jhansi Medical College has sent shockwaves across the country. This has raised big question on the hospital that claimed to provide best treatment to infants. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College is a state-run medical college located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest government-run hospitals in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

NICU Equiped With Modern Machinery

According to a report published by News 18 in January this year, a new ward of Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was in progress. It was said that the infants suffering from serious medical issues will receive the best treatment at this ward. This ward has been equipped with modern facilities and equipment.  It was reported, “A new 51-bed NICU ward is being built in Jhansi Medical College. More than 70% of the work on this ward is complete. This work is expected to be completed by the end of February. This ward is being built at a cost of more than 70 lakhs.”

NICU ward’s nodal officer and paediatrician Dr. Om Shankar Chaurasia had said that sick children will be able to get treatment with modern medical machines at one place after the construction of the new NICU ward. He had informed that arrangements have also been made to keep children and mothers together. “There will be all facilities like infusion pump, multipara patient monitor, ventilator, auto C-PAP, LED photo therapy, ultrasound, echo, etc…, added Chaurasia.

But the grave reality sinks in and incident of fire at NICU claims lives of 10 infants and several others who suffered burn injuries. This has raised widespread concern. UP CM has taken cognisance of the unfortunate incident and probe has been ordered.

Jhansi Fire Incident: Fire Due To Short Circuit

Speaking to ANI, Sachin Mahor, Chief Medical Superintendent said, “There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside the Oxygen concentrator; efforts to douse the fire were done but since the room was highly oxygenated, the fire spread quickly. Many babies were rescued. 10 babies have died, and injured babies are undergoing treatment.”

As per the officials, the prima facie cause of the fire is said to be due to a short circuit.

The officials said that the fire erupted inside the oxygen concentrator and the room being highly oxygenated facilitated the spreading of fire.

Fire Safety Audit Done In February

UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also said, “In February, the fire safety audit was done. In June, a mock drill was also done. How this incident happened and why it happened, we can only say something about it once the probe report comes…7 bodies of the newborns have been identified, 3 bodies haven’t been identified yet…financial support will be provided to the families of newborns…”

#WATCH | Jhansi Medical College Fire tragedy | UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak says, ” In February, the fire safety audit was done. In June, a mock drill was also done. How this incident happened and why it happened, we can only say something about it once the probe report comes…7… pic.twitter.com/KTQe1Y5Sc3

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2024

All this reportedly hints at negligence that took place at the Jhansi Medical College Hospital. Investigation is underway and once can only wait for the report to reveal the truth.

#WATCH | Jhansi Medical College tragedy | UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak says, ” Instructions have been given to probe the incident…local administration has been asked to submit the probe report within 24 hours. 10 newborns have died, 7 have been identified, 3 are yet to be… pic.twitter.com/4x7lAPLypQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2024

Leaders Point Out ‘Carelessness’

Samajwadi Party leader Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav called this incident painful. He said that this happened because of the carelessness of the medical college administration. “It is being said that there was a short circuit in the afternoon as well but it was overlooked. Had it been taken seriously, this incident could have been avoided. There should be strict action against people who are responsible for this, added Yadav.

#WATCH | Jhansi Medical College tragedy | UP: Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, SP leader and former MP says, “It is being said that 10 newborns have died and around 40 are seriously injured…this is a very painful incident. This happened because of the carelessness of the medical… pic.twitter.com/vE6MssOrxL

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2024

Also Read: Jhansi Medical College: 10 Infants Killed After Fire Breaks Out In NICU, UP Govt Orders Probe