Tragedy Strikes: 7 Newborns Babies Die in Delhi Hospital Fire
A devastating fire at Baby Care New Born Child Hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area has claimed the lives of seven newborns, sending shockwaves through the community and raising serious questions about hospital safety and regulatory compliance.
The fire, which broke out late last night, quickly engulfed the neonatal ward, where twelve newborns were receiving care. Despite the best efforts of firefighters and hospital staff, the inferno claimed the lives of seven infants. The surviving five newborns have been transferred to nearby hospitals for further medical care, and their conditions remain critical but stable.
In a press briefing, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Surendra Chaudhary revealed several alarming findings from the initial investigation. “Our investigation shows that the license of Baby Care New Born Child Hospital expired on March 31, 2024,” DCP Chaudhary stated. “Moreover, the hospital was authorized to operate only five beds, yet they had installed more than ten beds at the time of the incident.”
The revelation that the hospital was operating beyond its licensed capacity and without a valid license has sparked outrage among the public and health authorities. The overcrowded conditions likely exacerbated the situation, complicating evacuation efforts and contributing to the high casualty rate.
In light of these findings, police have arrested the hospital’s owner, Naveen Kumar, on charges of criminal negligence and operating an unlicensed medical facility. Kumar is currently in custody, and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of regulatory violations and negligence.
Residents and local leaders have expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident. “This is a heartbreaking and entirely avoidable tragedy,” said Rajesh Singh, a local community leader. “The authorities must ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and stringent measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The Delhi government has announced a probe into the incident and has promised strict action against those found guilty. Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Verma visited the site and met with the families of the victims, offering condolences and assuring them of full support from the government.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation,” Dr. Verma stated. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of patients in all healthcare facilities is our top priority.”
As the investigation continues, this tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and licensing requirements in healthcare facilities. The community mourns the loss of seven innocent lives and demands justice and systemic changes to prevent such disasters in the future.