Addressing the State cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that in Bhopal's Kamala Nehru Hospital where newborns are treated, a fire broke out last night due to short circuit, in which some of our infants lost their lives. Mind and soul are pained by this heart-breaking incident. Chouhan said that the children who were in the hospital were under our protection, it was our responsibility to save their lives, this is a serious incident.
Chouhan said that this unfortunate incident is a criminal negligence. The Chief Minister said that the Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical Education will investigate the incident, strict action will be taken against whoever is guilty.
The Chief Minister said that those who put their lives at risk to rescue the children, they deserve appreciation. Such doctors, nurses, ward boys etc. will be honored. Chouhan thanked all of them. Praising the dedication towards duty of Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang, Chouhan said that Sarang reached the spot as soon as he got the information about the incident and immediately coordinated the relief work. Chouhan also thanked the police administration and the team of doctors for taking prompt action and saving the lives of children.
The Chief Minister has directed that fire safety audit of all government and non-government hospitals should be conducted immediately. Chouhan said that as a result of Covid-19, oxygen lines have been laid in many hospitals for the provision of oxygen. This adds to the need for fire safety audits in hospitals. Therefore, the report of fire safety audit of hospitals should be submitted at the earliest.
Chouhan said, "I had a desire to reach the spot immediately. I constantly remained in touch with the Minister of Medical Education Shri Vishwas Sarang. I was told that my going there may divert the attention of the people engaged in the relief works. The focus of the teams should be on evacuation and the children's safety. I was constantly in touch with the minister Vishwas Sarang, the police administration and the team of doctors present at the spot from the residence itself."
Chouhan has prayed to God for the peace of the departed souls. Chouhan said that I have deep condolences for the families of these children. It is my wish that those who were injured in the incident recover speedily. Chouhan said that we will have to take all those measures so that such incidents do not recur.