Amravati: Maharashtra govt has ordered stringent action against officials and agencies found responsible for lapses that led to the fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Govt Women’s Hospital in Amravati on Aug 24, in which three newborns lost their lives.A high-level inquiry into the incident has been completed and the report submitted to the govt. Acting on its findings, public health dept directed disciplinary proceedings against officials responsible for negligence and supervisory failures.Govt has directed suspension of officers held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses. Those facing action include deputy director of health services, Akola circle; medical superintendent of Govt Women’s Hospital, addl district surgeon, Amravati; and administrative officer and electrician of the hospital.The inquiry committee identified serious deficiencies in maintenance and functioning of critical safety and medical infrastructure. Among the lapses were delayed maintenance and repair of ventilators, non-functional fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house at the time of the incident. The report also pointed to shortcomings in the technical inspection of equipment. Administrative action has also been ordered against contractual employees.AOV International LLP has been found responsible for lapses and the govt has directed initiation of proceedings to blacklist the firm. Prima facie deficiencies were also found in services of medical equipment firm Schiller. The govt has ordered that its forensic report be obtained immediately and, based on findings, action be initiated to blacklist it as well.
