3 infants die in RIMS Adilabad fire accident

Hyderabad: At least three infants died in the SNCU (Special Neonatal Care Unit) in Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Adilabad because of a blast in the air condition unit due to a short circuit. There were 27 children in the ward and while six were sent to home, 18 others fell ill because of the dense smoke, and they were shifted to private hospitals.

The state government formed an inquiry committee on the fire accident. The primary reason for the incident was because of a short circuit in the air conditioner leading to a blast followed by fire and smoke. Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha rushed to Adilabad after knowing about the incident. He visited the Hospital and inspected the rescue and relief operations undertaken after the fire incident.

He inquired with officials about the process of safely shifting infants undergoing treatment in the SNCU to other wards. He sought updates from the doctors regarding the health condition of the infants and children receiving treatment. He interacted with the family members of the children and assured them of the government's support.

The Minister reviewed the fire safety measures and emergency protocols with hospital officials. He said that a committee has been appointed to probe the incident. The committee will oversee measures to prevent such accidents in any hospital in the future. He said that all the hospitals must undergo an audit every year. Every hospital must have a policy tailored to its specific capacity, he said.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Minister stated that the fire broke out in the neonatal ward around 11:40 PM on Monday. He noted that full clarity regarding the exact cause of the accident and whether there were any lapses in safety standards would emerge only after a comprehensive investigation. According to him, immediately after the incident, RIMS staff, the district administration, and the fire and police departments responded in a coordinated manner, taking prompt action to relocate the infants undergoing treatment to safe areas.

He mentioned that the power supply was cut off and emergency medical services were provided to the affected infants.

The Minister announced the decision to establish a 150-bed Mother and Child Health (MCH) building to further strengthen maternal and childcare services at RIMS, which would provide additional facilities for maternity services, maternal care, and improved medical services for newborns. He said that based on the expert committee's report and the safety audit findings, comprehensive proposals would be prepared and submitted to the government regarding necessary repairs, additional infrastructure, renovation works, construction of new buildings, and the recruitment of additional staff.

He assured that all aspects concerning maintenance, monitoring, and the implementation of safety standards at RIMS would be thoroughly examined. He made it clear that strict action, in accordance with regulations, would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence or irresponsibility during the inquiry.

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The Hans India