Delhi:
The catastrophic fire at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar, which claimed the lives of seven infants, has revealed serious safety flaws in the institution. A report by the National Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights (NCPCR) identified key flaws such as the lack of emergency exits, failing fire safety equipment, and insufficient emergency readiness. The hospital’s lack of key safety measures, such as fire alarms and water sprinkler systems, constitutes a clear violation of recognized safety standards, creating major concerns regarding patient and staff safety.
The NCPCR inspection, conducted by member Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal, highlighted the critical need for improved safety practices and stricter implementation of regulations in healthcare facilities. The heartbreaking loss of six infants in the horrific fire highlights the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action to avoid such incidents in the future. Furthermore, the examination discovered that the facility operated without a legal license, lacked certified medical personnel, and maintained an excessive amount of oxygen cylinders, raising concerns about its regulatory compliance.
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to discover the cause of the incident and bring those responsible for the safety violations accountable. The NCPCR’s results, together with demands for critical hospital papers, highlight the need for strict inspection and enforcement to safeguard the safety and well-being of patients, particularly vulnerable neonates. The unfortunate tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the crucial need of implementing strong safety measures in healthcare facilities to avert unnecessary disasters and save lives.
