A devastating fire at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar has claimed the lives of seven newborns, shedding light on severe negligence and regulatory lapses. The tragedy, which occurred on Saturday night, has left the families of the victims in mourning and raised serious questions about the hospital’s compliance with safety and medical standards.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the incident, a fire broke out in the neonatal ward of the Baby Care New Born Hospital. According to Delhi Fire Department Director Atul Garg, oxygen cylinders in the facility contributed to the explosion. Six babies were declared dead upon arrival at another hospital, while a seventh succumbed to injuries during treatment. Five additional infants are currently receiving medical care at another facility.
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Regulatory Lapses and Negligence
Investigations have revealed a series of alarming oversights and violations at the hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shahdara, Surendra Chaudhary, disclosed that the hospital’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) had expired on March 31. Despite this, the hospital continued to operate without renewing the crucial fire safety clearance.
Furthermore, the hospital was authorized to have only five beds but had installed over ten, with twelve newborns admitted at the time of the fire. The medical personnel present, identified as BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree holders, lacked the qualifications to provide neonatal intensive care.
Absence of Safety Measures
The investigation revealed a stark absence of basic fire safety measures. There were no fire extinguishers on the premises, and the hospital lacked an emergency exit, critically endangering the lives of the patients and staff during emergencies.
Legal Actions and Past Incidents
In response to the fire, the Delhi Police have arrested hospital owner Naveen Khichi and Dr. Akash, who was on duty at the time. This is not Khichi’s first brush with the law; in 2021, he faced allegations of mistreatment of a newborn, during which it was found that the hospital was not registered under the Delhi Nursing Home Act.
Government Response and Inquiry
The Delhi government has ordered a Magisterial Inquiry into the incident. Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Divisional Commissioner of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Ashwani Kumar, has tasked the Shahdara District Magistrate and District Disaster Management Authority with investigating the tragedy.
Community and Official Reactions
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in hospitals. Many parents learned of the fire and their children’s deaths through news reports or from relatives, as the hospital and police failed to promptly inform the affected families.
As the inquiry proceeds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such a catastrophic event from recurring. The tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance in healthcare facilities to protect vulnerable lives.
