Jhansi: The horrific fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi has shaken the nation. The tragedy claimed the lives of 10 newborns and left 16 others critically injured. The anguish surrounding the incident raises a haunting question: Was this a mere accident or gross negligence by the administration?
Eyewitness Revelations
Bhagwan Das from Hamirpur, whose grandson was admitted to the NICU, provided a shocking account of the events to a media house. He alleged that a nurse lit a matchstick to fix the oxygen cylinder’s pipe, inadvertently igniting the fire. The flames spread rapidly through the ward. He further claimed that the absence of a functioning safety alarm exacerbated the situation, failing to provide timely warnings that could have saved many lives.
Systemic Failures
The incident has laid bare severe lapses in safety protocols and preparedness:
- Expired Fire Extinguishers: Fire safety equipment in the hospital had been inactive for four years.
- Overcrowded Ward: The NICU was overcrowded with 54 infants, yet there was no adequate safety plan in place.
- Short Circuit or Human Error? Initial investigations pointed to a short circuit as the cause, but the eyewitness account suggests potential human error.
Government and Administration’s Response
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief over the tragedy and ordered a detailed investigation report within 12 hours. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and senior police officials, including the ADG, visited the site to assess the situation. While compensation and assurances have been announced, the focus remains on identifying those responsible.
Unimaginable Loss for Families
For the grieving families, the loss is immeasurable. Their dreams for their newborns were snatched away in moments, leaving them in profound despair. The sorrow in the hospital corridors serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life.
When Will the System Improve?
This tragedy is not just a warning but a dire question posed to the healthcare system: How long will negligence continue to claim innocent lives? Why are fire safety systems not maintained? Why are staff not adequately trained, and why are regular safety audits not conducted?
The Jhansi fire underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost to preventable tragedies.
