The Uttar Pradesh government took swift action on Wednesday in response to the tragic fire at Jhansi Medical College on November 15, which claimed the lives of 10 infants. Following a report by a four-member committee formed on the orders of Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, the principal of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar, was removed from his post. He has been reassigned to the Directorate General of Medical Education Department.

Additionally, three staff members—Chief Superintendent Dr. Sunita Rathore, Junior Engineer Sanjeet Kumar, and NICU nursing in-charge Sandhya Rai—were suspended. Chargesheets outlining their roles in the incident have been issued, and they must formally respond to the allegations. Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Sachin Mahur is also facing disciplinary action.

The fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), leading to 10 immediate deaths, while eight more children, among the 39 initially rescued, later succumbed to their illnesses. The government has ordered further probes into the roles of Dr. Om Shankar Chaurasia, head of the Pediatrics department, and the Electrical Department’s in-charge.

Deputy CM Pathak underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice, stating that the incident deeply affected the administration. He emphasized that all necessary support is being provided to the victims’ families and reiterated the importance of strict safety protocols in hospitals.

The tragedy has reignited discussions on the need for stringent fire safety regulations in healthcare facilities, especially in critical units like NICUs, across the country.

Source: PTI

Also read: Jhansi Medical College Fire: 10 newborns dead, compensation announced