The New Born Baby Care Hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar, where at least six newborns died after a massive fire, has reportedly a history of criminal negligence. The fire broke out at around 11.30 pm. Five babies are undergoing treatment in another hospital.
The hospital owner, Dr Naveen Khichi, who was absconding since the incident, has been arrested. Dr Akash, who was on duty on Saturday night has also been held. They have been booked for culpable homicide and other offences, according to police sources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Alleged mistreatment case
Dr Khichi was booked for alleged mistreatment of a newborn during treatment at the children’s hospital in 2021. He had also reportedly threatened the couple from Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras when they went to him after the hand of their baby was fractured during treatment and procured CCTV footage showing a nurse beating the newborn.
In 2021, it was discovered that the hospital was not registered under the Delhi Nursing Home Act. However, authorities imposed a fine, and once it was paid, treatment started again at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department said that it is most likely that the baby care centre did not possess a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). He said that there were oxygen cylinders in the hospital which were the cause of the blast. A scooter, an ambulance, and a portion of a nearby park also caught fire in the incident.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has directed the chief secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure a speedy inquiry. Lt Governor V K Saxena also asked the chief secretary to institute an inquiry and said he will ensure that the guilty are brought to book.
Also Read: A Tragedy Waiting To Happen
