Tragic NICU Fire Claims Newborn's Life at Kanpur Private Hospital
A devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a private hospital in Kanpur, resulting in the tragic death of a newborn baby girl. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Raja Hospital, located in the Bithoor area of the city, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising serious questions about hospital safety protocols.
Family's Heartbreaking Ordeal and Allegations of Concealment
Arun Nishad, a private sector employee residing in Bakarganj, had brought his pregnant wife, Bittu, to Raja Hospital for delivery earlier that day. The couple welcomed their daughter into the world around 4 pm, following which the infant was promptly transferred to the NICU for specialized care. However, the joyous occasion turned into an unimaginable nightmare just hours later when a fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, erupted within the NICU.
"The bed where my daughter was lying caught fire. My daughter was severely injured in the fire and died on the spot," recounted a distraught Arun Nishad. He further alleged that hospital staff deliberately kept the tragic incident hidden from the family for approximately four to five hours. It was only after he persistently insisted on seeing his newborn daughter that the staff reluctantly disclosed the horrifying truth.
Chaos Erupts as Police are Summoned to the Scene
Upon learning of their daughter's death, the grieving family erupted in anger and despair, creating a significant commotion within the hospital premises. The situation escalated to the point where authorities were alerted via the emergency number 112. A police team from the Bithoor police station swiftly arrived at Raja Hospital to manage the volatile situation and initiate an investigation.
Ashok Saroj, the in-charge of Bithoor police station, provided an official statement regarding the incident. "The newborn was admitted to the NICU. The child was severely burned due to fire in the NICU, leading to her death," he confirmed. He assured that a formal case will be registered and appropriate legal action will be taken as soon as a written complaint is received from the family.
Broader Implications and Calls for Accountability
This tragic event has cast a glaring spotlight on critical issues concerning fire safety measures and emergency preparedness within healthcare facilities, particularly in sensitive areas like NICUs. The family's allegations of a cover-up by hospital staff have added a layer of grave concern regarding transparency and patient communication protocols during crises.
The local community and authorities are now demanding a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the short circuit, evaluate the hospital's adherence to fire safety norms, and determine any potential negligence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of stringent safety checks and immediate, honest communication in medical emergencies to prevent such heartbreaking losses.
