New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over a fire that erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 newborns.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, asking for a comprehensive report on the incident’s negligence within a week.
Labeling the incident a “grave violation” of human rights, the commission described the reports as “disturbing” and indicative of negligence on the part of hospital authorities. It noted that the newborns were under the care of a government facility that failed to ensure their safety. Initial investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire late Friday night, which affected the NICU housing 54 infants at the time.
The NHRC stressed the importance of accountability and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the disaster. It has requested that the state government’s report include actions taken to provide justice for the victims and measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Police in Jhansi, to prepare a preliminary report on the incident.
Additionally, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, along with Principal Secretary of Health Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, visited the site on Saturday to oversee rescue efforts and evaluate the damage.
Hospital officials reported that while 45 infants were rescued, 16 remain in critical condition.