Nagpur: Ten babies had a miraculous escape on Wednesday morning after a smoke-and-fire incident in the out-born section of the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Daga Memorial Govt Women’s Hospital, triggering panic inside the neonatal ward and averting what could have become a major tragedy. The affected unit was among sections housing 36 newborns, and the babies were safely evacuated even as their mothers were away then. Sources alleged the hospital administration did not inform senior health authorities about the fire for about 24 hours.The out-born unit was temporarily shut for fire safety audit by engineers from the public works department (electrical). Six newborns were shifted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), while four others were relocated to another block within Daga Hospital.The SNCU has a total capacity of 42 beds and had 36 babies admitted at the time, including 10 in the affected section. The hospital’s in-born and low birth weight units continue to function normally.The incident occurred around 11am on Wednesday (May 13) after an electrical overload reportedly caused sparking in power supply wires connected to baby warmers. Hospital staff noticed smoke inside the SNCU after sparks emerged from an electrical point supplying neonatal equipment.Medical superintendent Dr Dilip Madavi said the incident involved “minor sparking due to overloading and voltage fluctuation” and not a major fire. “A staff nurse noticed the sparks and immediately switched off the power supply connected to the machines. Smoke was generated briefly, after which the fire safety system was activated and the situation was brought under control,” he said.According to Dr Madavi, five newborns experiencing oxygen saturation issues were shifted to GMCH as a precautionary measure, while one infant was referred to IGGMCH. Four other babies were moved to another section within the SNCU. He confirmed that all the newborns are stable.Most of the affected infants were “out-born” babies — newborns delivered outside Daga Hospital but admitted there for specialised neonatal treatment. Their mothers usually stay in counselling and kangaroo mother care wards located opposite the SNCU and visit periodically for breastfeeding. Doctors said the mothers were away when the incident took place.Dr Madavi credited the hospital’s fire safety systems and regular mock drill training for helping staff respond effectively. “Fortunately, the incident happened during morning hours when staff nurses, PG doctors, residents and senior doctors were present and routine rounds were underway. Had this happened at midnight, the situation could have turned serious,” he said.Hospital officials stated that wiring in the unit was relatively new and had undergone an electrical audit in January and February by the PWD electrical department. Sources said fresh wiring work had been carried out last year.Civil surgeon and deputy director of health services were reportedly informed only on Thursday afternoon after questions were raised. Authorities have now ordered a fresh electrical safety audit of the unit.
