PM Modi: Jhansi fire heartbreaking tragedy.
Condoling the deaths of 10 children, he described the incident as heartbreaking and assured that every possible effort is being made to provide relief to the affected families. Modi also emphasized the importance of swift action to ensure the injured receive the best medical care. The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the grieving families and urged authorities to expedite rescue operations. His statement reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the tragedy and supporting victims in this time of crisis.
PM Modi Condoles Loss in Jhansi Hospital Fire; Tragedy Claims 10 Newborn Lives
A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies late on Friday night. The horrific incident, which occurred in a ward designed for only 18 patients but housing 49 children, has left the nation in grief.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
PM Modi also assured that the local administration, under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh government, was making every possible effort to provide relief and support to the victims and their families.
The Tragic Incident
The fire broke out in the NICU of the hospital, causing burns and suffocation-related deaths of 10 newborns. The ward was overcrowded, with nearly three times its capacity, making rescue efforts difficult. Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, who visited the site on Saturday morning, confirmed that a total of 49 children were present in the NICU at the time of the fire.
Out of the 10 children who lost their lives, the bodies of seven have been identified. Efforts are underway to establish the identities of the remaining three victims and inform their families.
Government Response
Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak stated that the state government has launched a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the fire and address the overcrowding in the NICU. The probe will also assess whether fire safety protocols were adequately followed.
Pathak assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found negligent in their duties. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing the best medical care to the surviving children and extending all possible support to the grieving families.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased child. He also directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best treatment available and called for immediate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Overcrowding and Safety Concerns
The incident has brought to light serious concerns regarding overcrowding and safety protocols in healthcare facilities. The NICU, designed to accommodate only 18 beds, was housing 49 infants at the time of the fire. This severe overcrowding likely compounded the difficulty of evacuating patients during the emergency.
Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit might have caused the fire. Authorities are reviewing the hospital’s fire safety measures and will determine whether the facility was adequately equipped to handle such emergencies.
The Human Impact
The tragedy has left families devastated, with many struggling to come to terms with their loss. One grieving parent said, “We entrusted the hospital with the care of our newborn, only to lose them in such a horrific manner.”
The incident has also sparked outrage among citizens, with many questioning the safety and efficiency of public healthcare infrastructure. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and calls for accountability.
Moving Forward
As rescue and relief efforts continue, the focus is now on ensuring the safety of the surviving children and supporting the families affected by the tragedy. The state government has pledged to take strict action against those responsible for any lapses and implement reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the need for robust safety protocols and proper infrastructure in healthcare facilities, particularly those caring for vulnerable patients like newborns. While the loss of innocent lives is irreparable, lessons learned from this incident could lead to systemic improvements, ensuring better care and safety in the future.
Conclusion
The Jhansi hospital fire has left a deep scar on the community, highlighting critical gaps in healthcare safety standards. The collective grief of the nation underscores the urgent need for action to address these challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolences, along with assurances from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, reflect the commitment of the authorities to support victims’ families and prevent such tragedies from occurring again. However, the road to recovery will require not just immediate relief but long-term reforms to rebuild trust in the healthcare system.