Maharashtra: Five Suspended over Amravati Hospital Fire that Killed Three Infants
An inquiry found ventilator and fire-safety lapses, and the state ordered audits and stricter maintenance checks at hospitals across Maharashtra.
- On August 24, a fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit of Amravati District Women's Hospital killed three newborns, with 39 infants receiving treatment at the time.
- An official inquiry uncovered serious safety lapses, including non-functional fire alarms, broken sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house, with deficiencies linked to AOV International LLP and Shilar Company.
- The Maharashtra government suspended five officials, including the Deputy Director of Health Services, Akola Division, for "inexcusable dereliction of duty" under the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules.
- Authorities mandated comprehensive electrical and fire safety audits for all state hospitals within three months, while CCTV systems will be installed in all Neonatal Intensive Care Units with mandatory mock drills.
- Health Commissioner Sanjay Katkar will lead regular monitoring meetings with the Public Works Department to enforce safety compliance, while the government initiated blacklisting proceedings against private firms responsible for maintenance lapses.
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Amravati Hospital Fire: Maharashtra Public Health Department Orders Action Against Officials, Firms over Lapses That Killed 3 Newborns
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. According to the inquiry report, serious lapses were detected in the maintenance and repair of ventilators and other equipment. The fire alarm and sprinkler systems were found to be nonfunctional, while the fire pump house was locked. India News | Amravati Hospital Fire: Maharashtra Public Health Department Orders Action Against Officials, Firms over Lapses That Killed 3 Newborns.
Amravati hospital fire: Five officials suspended, two firms face blacklisting over safety lapses
The report has been submitted to the Maharashtra government, which has ordered disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible. Katkar confirmed to The Indian Express that the report had been submitted and action ordered by the government.
Five officials have been suspended following an investigation into the Amravati District Women's Hospital fire. The investigation raised serious questions about the hospital's security and fire alarm system.
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