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In a heartbreaking incident, seven children lost their lives after a massive fire broke out at Care New Born and Child Hospital late on Saturday. The hospital, which had faced allegations of abuse towards a newborn in the past, is now under intense scrutiny.
History of Controversy
The owner of the hospital, Dr. Naveen Kichi, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the fire. Dr. Kichi had previously faced legal challenges when an FIR was registered against him in 2021. The case involved allegations that a nurse at the hospital had beaten a newborn infant. Dr. Kichi had moved the Delhi High Court to quash the FIR, arguing that the CCTV footage and allegations pointed solely at the nurse, with no direct involvement from him. Eventually, he withdrew his plea after the police charge sheet did not name him as an accused or a witness. Dr. Kichi, a resident of Bhairon Enclave, Paschim Vihar, was granted anticipatory bail by the high court in December 2021.
The Fire Incident
The fire was reported to the Vivek Vihar police station at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Chaudhary stated that all 12 newborn babies in the hospital were initially rescued with the help of other people and transferred to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital. Tragically, seven of these babies were later declared dead.
Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg confirmed the casualties, adding that five other babies are currently undergoing treatment. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
The incident has brought to light several concerning details about the hospital’s operations. A police probe revealed that the hospital’s licence issued by the state government had expired on March 31. Furthermore, doctors holding BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degrees were reportedly managing the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), raising questions about the adequacy of care provided.
The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the hospital’s operational deficiencies. The community and the families affected are demanding accountability and justice for the tragic loss of innocent lives.
This incident underscores the critical need for stringent regulatory oversight and enforcement in healthcare facilities, particularly those dealing with vulnerable populations like newborns.
