2024-11-16 03:41:00
According to authorities, at least ten newborns were killed in a fire in a hospital in Jhansi, northern India. “Unfortunately, ten infants died,” a representative of the government of the state of Uttar Pradesh said on Saturday about the fire on Friday evening. “Seven bodies have been identified. Three bodies have not yet been identified,” the spokesman said.
The fire broke out in the hospital’s neonatal ward at around 10:30 p.m. (local time, 6 p.m. CET) on Friday. The Times Now news portal reported that another 16 infants were in mortal danger after the fire. According to the broadcaster NDTV, a total of 54 newborns were in the ward when the fire ignited.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths “heartbreaking” in a post on the online service X. “My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children,” Modi said. “I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.”
Fires occur frequently in India due to low safety standards and a lack of fire safety controls. Many public buildings have neither escape routes nor working fire extinguishers.
1731729377
#Ten #babies #dead #fire #Indian #hospital
How can parents and the community effectively advocate for safer healthcare environments according to Dr. Sharma?
**Interview with Child Safety Advocate, Dr. Anita Sharma**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us today. The recent tragedy in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in a hospital fire, has raised serious concerns about safety standards in medical facilities across India. What are your immediate thoughts on this heartbreaking incident?
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed devastating, and it’s a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform in fire safety protocols in hospitals. Newborns should be in the safest possible environment, especially in a neonatal ward.
**Interviewer:** Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the situation “heartbreaking.” However, many are questioning what measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. What do you think needs to be immediately addressed by the authorities?
**Dr. Sharma:** There is a critical need for comprehensive fire safety audits in hospitals, especially those that cater to vulnerable populations like newborns. Implementing strict regulations around fire exits, alarms, and extinguishers is vital. Additionally, training staff in emergency response should be prioritized.
**Interviewer:** The report mentions that 54 newborns were in the ward at the time of the fire. Given the gravity of this situation, do you think the public’s trust in healthcare facilities is eroding? How can this be addressed?
**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely, incidents like this shake public confidence. Transparency in safety standards and consistent communication from health authorities can restore trust. Public forums or community engagement could also help hold hospitals accountable.
**Interviewer:** With fires frequently occurring in India due to low safety standards, what role do you believe the community and parents should play in advocating for safer healthcare environments?
**Dr. Sharma:** The community plays a crucial role. Parents and guardians should be educated about their rights to safe medical environments and encouraged to advocate for better practices. They can hold hospitals accountable through reviews and reports. A collective voice can demand change.
**Interviewer:** with the recurring nature of such tragedies, do you believe it’s time for a nationwide campaign focusing on fire safety in all public buildings, not just hospitals?
**Dr. Sharma:** Yes, a nationwide campaign addressing fire safety across all public and private sectors is overdue. It’s vital to engage the public and involve multiple stakeholders, from government agencies to NGOs. We need to prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable citizens.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insights. As we reflect on this tragic event, we invite our readers to share their thoughts on how we can advocate for change in safety standards in healthcare facilities. What measures do you think should be put in place to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future?