Jaipur Hospital ICU Floods on Cold Night, Critically Ill Patients Evacuated
A major incident unfolded at one of Jaipur's top hospitals on Monday night. The polytrauma ICU at Sawai Man Singh Hospital suddenly began filling with water due to a leaking pipeline.
The leak occurred around 10 PM amid biting cold conditions. Hospital staff noticed water entering the ICU room. They immediately alerted senior officials.
Emergency Evacuation of Critically Ill Patients
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, hospital administration ordered immediate evacuation of the ICU. All 14 critically ill patients receiving treatment there had to be moved quickly.
Doctors and nursing staff worked together to transfer these patients safely. They moved them to other ICUs and wards within the emergency department. The evacuation proceeded without reported harm to any patients.
Rusty Pipeline Identified as Cause
SMS Trauma Centre Superintendent B L Yadav explained what happened. "We received information about water leaking into the ICU room around 10 PM," he said.
"We called Public Works Department officials immediately. They inspected the area and found the problem."
The investigation revealed a very old pipeline had started leaking due to rust. This pipeline had been covered earlier but deteriorated over time.
PWD officials identified the main problem point and fixed it within one hour. Water had accumulated to about four inches in the ICU before being swept out.
Cleanup and Preventive Measures
Hospital authorities took several steps following the incident. On Tuesday morning, they fumigated the entire ICU area. This disinfection process aimed to prevent any germ infections.
The hospital plans to admit new patients to the polytrauma ICU starting Wednesday. Normal operations should resume after thorough cleaning and inspection.
Senior Official Orders Investigation and Action
Principal Secretary of Rajasthan's Medical and Health Department Gayatri Rathore visited SMS Hospital on Tuesday. She took serious note of the flooding incident.
Rathore inspected the affected polytrauma ICU and other hospital facilities. She reviewed the situation with hospital officials and issued necessary instructions.
The principal secretary directed officials to take strict action against those responsible for negligence. She emphasized that patient safety must never be compromised under any circumstances.
Rathore also ordered a comprehensive technical inspection of all ICUs at SMS Hospital. This system-wide check aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Hospital Administration's Response
Hospital officials assured that patient safety remains their top priority. They confirmed all patients received proper care during and after the evacuation.
The incident highlights infrastructure maintenance challenges in healthcare facilities. Old pipelines and equipment require regular inspection and timely replacement.
Authorities now face questions about preventive maintenance schedules. They must ensure such emergencies do not recur in critical care areas.
