Jhansi Fire Kills 10 Newborns, Govt Slammed for VIP Show
Overview
On Friday night, a devastating fire swept through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the major hospitals in Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand area. Tragically, 10 newborns lost their lives, and 16 remain in critical condition. The incident has sparked significant political controversy, with strong criticism directed at the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to initial reports, the fire was caused by a short circuit inside an oxygen concentrator. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as staff and visitors struggled to evacuate the ward. Many families are still searching for missing infants, fearing the worst.
Alarming Hospital Safety Violations Exposed
Preliminary investigations revealed serious safety violations in the hospital. Fire extinguishers in the NICU had expired in 2020, and safety alarms failed to go off during the incident, delaying the evacuation. Additional eyewitness accounts suggested that hospital staff used unsafe practices, such as lighting matches near oxygen equipment. These findings have intensified public anger and raised questions about hospital safety and maintenance protocols.
Victims’ Families Seek Answers Amid Grief
In the aftermath of the fire, families are grappling with grief and seeking accountability. Many relatives of the deceased and missing newborns described their struggles to locate their children amid the confusion. A mother from Mahoba district and a grandmother from Rajgarh recounted their harrowing experiences, with both still searching for their infants and criticizing the hospital’s handling of the incident.
Opposition Slams Government’s "Insensitive" Response
As the Deputy Chief Minister arrived at the hospital to assess the situation, Congress and other opposition parties criticized what they saw as the government’s “insensitivity.” Videos surfaced online showing extensive preparations, including cleaning the hospital premises and sprinkling lime on the road to welcome the minister. Congress referred to this as a display of “government insensitivity,” accusing officials of focusing on appearances rather than accountability.
In addition to Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) joined in condemning the government’s handling of the tragedy. SP spokesperson Juhie Singh criticized the hospital’s lack of preparedness and alleged corruption, asserting that “government hospitals have become a den of misery and negligence.” SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, taking a swipe at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, called for an immediate improvement in state healthcare facilities.
Deputy CM’s Statement and Government’s Promised Action
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the loss of young lives. He assured the public of a thorough investigation and stated that the government is working closely with the families to identify the victims. The state has initiated a three-tier investigation to determine the cause and accountability for the tragedy. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a high-level probe and announced compensation for the affected families, including Rs 5 lakh for each family that lost a child and Rs 50,000 for each injured individual.
PM Modi’s Condolences and Financial Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “heart-wrenching.” He announced financial aid of Rs 2 lakh to each bereaved family from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, the Jhansi Hospital fire has sparked a broader conversation about healthcare safety in Uttar Pradesh. The opposition’s criticism highlights the urgent need for accountability and reforms in hospital safety protocols, and the incident underscores the importance of putting patients’ lives and safety above bureaucratic formalities.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
