Investigations reveal pattern of violations at neonatal hospital where six newborns died in fire
The owner of a neonatal hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, where six newborns tragically lost their lives in a fire, has been under scrutiny for multiple regulatory violations across his string of facilities in the city. Official documents have revealed a pattern of negligence and non-compliance that ultimately led to the devastating incident on Saturday night.
The hospital in question was found to be operating without a license, overcrowded beyond capacity, storing excessive oxygen cylinders, employing unqualified doctors for neonatal care, and lacking essential safety measures like emergency exits and fire extinguishers. These glaring violations have raised serious concerns about the safety and standards of healthcare facilities, especially those catering to newborns.
The owner, Naveen Khichi, has a history of clashes with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), with instances of operating illegal hospitals and flouting regulations. Despite facing legal action and having licenses revoked, Khichi continued to run his facilities, only closing them down when public outrage peaked.
Delhi Police have taken Khichi and an ayurveda doctor, Akash Singh, into custody for questioning in connection with the tragic incident. Investigations have also revealed that Khichi predominantly employed ayurvedic practitioners at his hospitals, raising further questions about the quality of care provided.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has acknowledged the violations and pledged to crack down on illegal operations in the healthcare sector. Experts have emphasized the need for stringent regulatory oversight to prevent such disasters in the future.
The heartbreaking loss of innocent lives in the Vivek Vihar hospital fire has shed light on the urgent need for accountability and reform in the healthcare industry. As investigations continue and justice is sought for the victims, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients, especially the most vulnerable among us.