In a heart-wrenching incident, seven newborn babies lost their lives after a devastating fire broke out at a children’s hospital in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, on Saturday night. The victims, ranging from just 15 to 25 days old, were in the neonatal unit when the tragedy struck. Five other infants in the same unit are currently undergoing treatment.
Inadequate Safety Measures and Expired License
The fire at New Born Baby Care Hospital has raised serious concerns about safety and regulatory compliance in healthcare facilities. According to the police, the hospital’s license had expired in March 2024, and the building lacked essential safety features such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Shockingly, the hospital had been operating with 12 beds despite only being licensed for five.
Arrests and Legal Action
The hospital’s owner, Dr. Naveen Khichi, who holds an MD in Pediatric Medicine, and his wife Jagriti, a dentist, were apprehended after going missing for over 12 hours. They, along with the doctor on duty, Akash—who was found to be unqualified for neonatal intensive care as he only held a degree in Ayurvedic medicine—have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including negligence and culpable homicide.
Authorities Speak Out
DCP (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhury highlighted the grave safety lapses at the hospital. “The building had no fire extinguishers or emergency doors. The license of the hospital had expired in March 2024. Though the license was issued for only five beds, there were 12 beds when we inspected the site,” he stated. This glaring neglect not only violated legal requirements but also put innocent lives at risk.
A Call for Accountability and Safety
In response to this tragedy, a magisterial inquiry has been initiated to investigate the causes of the fire and to develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and regular inspections to ensure that healthcare facilities comply with all necessary standards.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Safety in Healthcare
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols in healthcare facilities. Lives depend on the diligence and integrity of healthcare providers and regulatory bodies. As we mourn the loss of these innocent lives, let us also commit to advocating for and implementing better safety standards to protect our most vulnerable patients.
The healthcare community must come together to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again. Regular audits, proper licensing, and comprehensive training in emergency preparedness are essential steps in safeguarding the lives of our patients.
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