In wake of neo-natal hospital tragedy, Delhi govt to direct private, state-run facilities to complete fire audit by June 8

Two days after a tragic fire at a neonatal hospital that claimed the lives of seven newborns, the Delhi government will mandate that all private and state-run hospitals complete a fire audit by June 8 and submit a compliance report, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced on Monday.

Bharadwaj convened a meeting to address the fire incident at the neonatal hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area.

“On April 24, we directed all hospitals to ensure fire preparedness. On May 8, we instructed them to conduct a fire audit. Now, we will require all private and Delhi government-run hospitals to complete their fire audits by June 8 and submit compliance reports to the Health department,” he informed reporters.

The minister also praised two nurses and several locals who risked their lives to rescue the babies.

“We will recommend their names for bravery awards,” he added.

The Revenue department will be asked to expedite compensation for the families of the babies killed and injured in the fire, Bharadwaj said.

During the meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, which included Health department officials, the ongoing heatwave conditions were also discussed.

The private neonatal hospital in Vivek Vihar, where the fire occurred, was operating with an expired license and lacked qualified doctors and fire department clearance, according to police on Sunday.

Authorities have arrested Dr. Naveen Khichi, the hospital’s owner, and Dr. Aaksh, who was on duty at the time of the fire late on Saturday.

(with PTI inputs)