The Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy on Saturday night, with at least seven newborns losing their lives in a massive fire. Five additional infants are undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the blaze, which broke out around 11:30 pm.
The hospital’s owner, Dr. Naveen Khichi, is absconding since the incident and is believed to have fled to Jaipur. Investigations have revealed a history of alleged criminal negligence associated with Dr. Khichi. In 2021, he faced charges for mistreating a newborn during treatment at the children’s hospital. He is also accused of threatening a couple from Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras after their baby’s hand was fractured during treatment. CCTV footage reportedly captured a nurse beating the newborn.
The hospital’s registration status under the Delhi Nursing Home Act came into question in 2021. However, authorities reportedly imposed a fine, and treatment resumed after the payment. However, the lack of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Delhi Fire Department raised concerns about the safety standards of the baby care center.
Oxygen cylinders are believed to have contributed to the intensity of the fire, which also engulfed a scooter, an ambulance, and a portion of a nearby park. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has ordered a speedy inquiry and requested a list of individuals responsible for the negligence. Lt Governor VK Saxena echoed the call for an investigation and vowed to hold the guilty accountable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the victims’ families. The incident has highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety and proper regulation of healthcare facilities, particularly those catering to vulnerable newborn infants.
