Five officials have been suspended and action initiated to blacklist two companies following a high-level inquiry into the August 24 fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the government-run Amravati District Women’s Hospital that killed three newborns.

The inquiry committee, headed by Health Services Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, found serious lapses in the maintenance of ventilators and medical equipment, besides non-functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems. The fire pump house was also found locked when the blaze broke out.

The report has been submitted to the Maharashtra government, which has ordered disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible. Katkar confirmed to  that the report had been submitted and action ordered by the government.

The five officials suspended are Deputy Director, Health Services, Akola Circle, Dr Sushilkumar Wakchaure; Medical Superintendent of Amravati Women’s Hospital Dr Vinod Pawar; Additional District Surgeon Dr Arun Salunkhe; the hospital’s administrative officer; and its electrician. They have been prima facie held responsible for lapses in supervision.

Proceedings under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, have also been ordered against officials and employees for negligence, irresponsible conduct and failure of supervisory control. Action has also been directed against Public Works Department officials found responsible for the lapses.

The government has initiated the process of blacklisting AOV International LLP, which supplied equipment to the hospital, after the inquiry found prima facie lapses. It has also directed that a forensic report be obtained from medical equipment manufacturer and supplier Schiller Company and that the process of blacklisting it be initiated.

The fire broke out in the SNCU while newborns were undergoing critical care. Thirty-six other infants were evacuated and shifted to other hospitals.


Sources familiar with the inquiry said the committee also examined alleged irregularities in the PWD’s electrical audit of the hospital.

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Following the report, the government has ordered CCTV cameras in all SNCUs and NICUs and made fire safety mock drills mandatory in government hospitals. It has also directed strict implementation of standard operating procedures for fire and electrical safety and medical equipment maintenance.

District collectors, Zilla Parishad chief executive officers and municipal commissioners have been asked to complete electrical and fire safety audits of hospitals in their jurisdictions within three months.

Officials and employees who helped evacuate the infants during the fire will also be felicitated for their prompt response.