Tragedy Strikes: Delhi Hospital Operating Without License
In a shocking revelation, police have uncovered that a hospital in the Indian capital of Delhi, where seven babies tragically lost their lives in a fire, was operating without a valid license. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, leading to the immediate arrests of the hospital owner and the doctor on duty.
An investigation into the matter has also revealed that the hospital lacked basic safety measures such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits, putting the lives of patients and staff at risk.
This heartbreaking event unfolded just hours after a separate fire claimed the lives of 27 individuals in a gaming arcade in Rajkot city, Gujarat. The frequency of such fires in India can be attributed to the lenient enforcement of safety regulations in both residential and commercial buildings.
The fire that engulfed the hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar neighborhood has left the community in shock and anger, demanding accountability for the lapses that led to this tragedy.
According to police commissioner Shahdara Surendra Chaudhary, the hospital’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) had expired on 31st March, indicating a blatant disregard for essential safety standards.
With only permission to operate five beds, the hospital had exceeded its capacity by installing 10, further highlighting the blatant violations of regulations that were in place.
As the investigation continues, the hospital’s director Dr. Naveen Kichi and a doctor identified only as Akash have been apprehended on charges of culpable homicide. It was revealed that Dr. Akash, who was on duty during the incident, lacked the qualifications to provide intensive care to newborn infants.
Expressing his sorrow over the incident, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the causes of the fire and ensure that those responsible for the negligence are held accountable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, announcing financial assistance as a gesture of support during this difficult time. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures in all establishments to prevent such devastating incidents from reoccurring. — BBC
