Probe Ordered After Fire Kills Three Newborns at Amravati District Women’s Hospital
The Maharashtra Health Department and district administration have taken serious note of the fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Amravati District Women’s Hospital in the early hours of August 24, which claimed the lives of three newborn babies. Authorities have assured a detailed investigation into the incident and promised strict action against those found responsible.
Following the tragic incident, 36 newborns were shifted from the Special Newborn Care Unit to four private medical facilities—Murke, Hope, Parijat, and PDMMC—for urgent medical treatment and monitoring.
Maharashtra Minister Meghna Bordikar and MLA Pratap Adsad visited the District Women’s Hospital on Thursday and inspected the site of the tragedy. Addressing a press conference, they announced that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that action would be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
Senior health officials also carried out an inspection of the hospital to review the situation. The inspecting team included Dr Sushil Wakchaure, Deputy Director of Health Services (Akola Circle), District Civil Surgeon Dr Vinod Pawar, District Health Officer Dr Pravin Parise, and Additional District Health Officer Dr Harshal Kshirsagar.
Following the site inspection, officials visited the four private hospitals where the 36 newborns had been admitted. They reviewed the health condition of the infants with attending doctors and interacted with the parents of the children.
A meeting of senior officials was subsequently held at the Government Rest House to review treatment arrangements, safety measures, and the current condition of the newborns, as well as to discuss further steps. Officials also met with the committee constituted to investigate the fire and provided necessary guidance regarding the ongoing probe.
The Health Department and district administration reiterated that the investigation will be completed to establish the facts and fix accountability. Authorities stated that ensuring proper treatment and ensuring the safety of the newborn babies has been accorded the highest priority.
