The health condition of infants affected by the fire incident in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad district of Telangana are being monitored continuously, said Adilabad District Collector Rajarshi Shah on Wednesday (September 30).

Following the incident, 27 infants were identified and shifted to other wards of RIMS and various hospitals in Hyderabad, depending on the severity of their condition and the need for advanced medical care. Of these, five infants died, while 13 were discharged after treatment in the following days.

At present, eight infants are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Hyderabad and one infant is receiving treatment at RIMS. The condition of the infants being treated in Hyderabad is currently stable, the Collector said, adding that officials are in constant coordination with the respective hospitals to monitor their health and ensure they receive the required medical care.

Of the 13 infants who have been discharged, seven are from Maharashtra and six are from Adilabad district. Details of the infants from Maharashtra have been shared with health officials in Nanded district, with authorities maintaining follow-up in coordination with the concerned officials, Mr. Shah said.

He further added that the six discharged infants from Adilabad are being regularly monitored by medical officers, ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). The health department is also ensuring that the infants receive medical advice, treatment and follow-up care after discharge.

Meanwhile, a 34-bed Mother and Newborn Intensive Care Unit (MNICU) has been established and made operational at the hospital to strengthen specialised care for newborns. The MNICU currently has 11 beds with oxygen support and seven beds without oxygen support. The adjoining step-down unit has another 12 oxygen-supported beds. Together, the MNICU and step-down unit currently have a capacity of 30 beds, while the capacity will be increased to 34 beds with the addition of four more beds in the next phase.