Amravati (Maharashtra) [India], August 25 (ANI): Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday termed the fire incident at the Amravati government hospital as "unfortunate" and announced that a high-level committee has been constituted to probe the matter, with a report expected within eight days.
Speaking on the tragic incident, Abitkar stated that site inspections have already been carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) and other relevant officials.
"This is an unfortunate incident. Following the event, officials from the Public Works Department and others conducted a site visit. We have now constituted a committee chaired by the Health Commissioner; we expect to receive the committee's report within eight days and will take action based on its findings," the Health Minister said.
The Minister further informed that the probe team would include experts to ensure a thorough investigation. "The committee will include the Health Commissioner and an official from AIIMS," he added.
Emphasising the government's commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future, Abitkar said that the state is working on a comprehensive safety plan for all medical facilities.
"We will take all necessary measures across Maharashtra to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. We are holding a meeting tomorrow regarding government and private hospitals in Maharashtra to formulate a plan and implement necessary provisions to prevent such incidents," he said.
Addressing the condition of the bereaved families, the Minister noted that the state government is providing all possible support.
"The families haven't really made specific demands; they are in deep grief. We empathise with them regarding the circumstances of the tragedy and will address whatever concerns they raise. The Chief Minister has already announced financial aid," Abitkar said.
A fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women's Hospital in Amravati in the early hours of Monday. According to officials, the fire broke out at around 3.15 am in the NICU on the third floor, with a ventilator reportedly sparking and triggering the blaze.
Officials said the NICU had several sections catering to newborns requiring different levels of care. The fire reportedly originated in the section housing outborn babies. Six infants were subsequently shifted to a super-speciality hospital, according to officials.
The NICU was housing premature and critically ill newborns at the time of the incident. Hospital staff, including doctors and nurses, immediately launched an evacuation operation after the fire broke out and managed to rescue several infants from the affected unit. Three newborns, however, died in the incident, while other babies were shifted to other medical facilities for continued treatment.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed sorrow over the deaths of three newborns in a fire at the Amravati District Women's Hospital, describing the incident as "extremely heart-wrenching".
In a post on X, CM Fadnavis announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. He further ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy and assured strict action against those responsible for the Amravati district women's hospital fire. (ANI)
Amravati hospital fire: Committee to submit report in 8 days, says Maharashtra Health Minister
