Mumbai, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday ordered the suspension of five health department personnel in connection with the deaths of three newborns in a fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Amravati District Women’s Hospital on August 24.
Those facing action include the Deputy Director of Health Services, Akola Circle; Medical Superintendent of Amravati Women’s Hospital; Additional District Civil Surgeon, Amravati; Administrative Officer of the hospital; and its electrician. The officials were held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses.
The action followed an inquiry by a high-level committee, whose report was submitted to the state government. The Public Health Department has directed disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible.
During the fire, 36 infants were rescued and safely shifted to other hospitals.
The inquiry identified serious lapses in technical inspections and equipment maintenance. These included failure to service ventilators on time, non-functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house.
In view of the negligence, supervisory failures and other lapses highlighted in the report, disciplinary action has been ordered under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. Administrative action has also been directed against contractual employees, while responsible officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) will also face penalties.
The inquiry found M/s AOV International LLP responsible for lapses and recommended that the company be blacklisted. Prima facie deficiencies were also found in services provided by Shilar Company. The government has directed that its forensic report be expedited and blacklisting proceedings initiated.
To prevent similar incidents, the state has ordered stronger safety protocols across government hospitals. CCTV cameras will be installed in all SNCUs and NICUs, while fire safety mock drills will be made mandatory.
The government has also directed strict implementation of SOPs covering fire safety, electrical safety and medical equipment maintenance.
Health Services Commissioner Sanjay Katkar has been tasked with holding regular reviews with the PWD, electrical, fire, bio-technical and maintenance departments to strengthen hospital safety oversight.
District Collectors, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officers and Municipal Commissioners have been instructed to complete electrical and fire safety audits of all hospitals in their jurisdictions within three months.
The Health Services Commissioner will also oversee fire safety audits, monitoring and compliance reporting in public and private hospitals through District Civil Surgeons.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed that awards and recognition be given to officers and staff who displayed courage during the fire and helped rescue the newborns.
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