Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken swift action following the tragic fire at Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, which claimed the lives of 10 infants. Based on the findings of a four-member investigative committee, the state removed the college principal and suspended three staff members.
Actions Taken
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who oversees the Health Department, announced the measures:
- Principal Removed: Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar, the college principal, was removed from his post and attached to the Directorate General of Medical Education.
- Staff Suspended:
- Chief Superintendent Dr. Sunita Rathore
- Junior Engineer (Electrical) Sanjeet Kumar
- NICU Ward Nursing Sister in-charge Sandhya Rai
The implicated individuals have been issued chargesheets, detailing the allegations against them, and are required to submit their replies to the department.
Further Investigations
The Deputy CM has also ordered a probe by the Jhansi divisional commissioner into the roles of:
- Dr. Om Shankar Chaurasia, Head of the Paediatrics Department
- The In-charge of the Electrical Department
A four-member committee, led by the Director General of the Medical Education Department, was formed to investigate the incident comprehensively.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on November 15, leading to the deaths of 10 children. Of the 39 infants rescued, eight succumbed later due to illness, according to the medical college administration.
Government Response
Deputy CM Pathak emphasized the government’s sensitivity towards the tragedy and assured that every possible support has been extended to the affected families.
This decisive action aims to address the lapses that contributed to the devastating incident and ensure accountability within the medical college administration.
