This story is from January 13, 2021

CM to hold special meet on Bhandara hosp fire inquiry status today

CM to hold special meet on Bhandara hosp fire inquiry status today
Mumbai/Pune/Nagpur: Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray will on Wednesday hold a special meeting to discuss the status of inquiry into the Bhandara district general hospital fire which left 10 premature babies dead at its Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) on January 9. The incident would also be discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, senior officials told TOI.

The government also denied that any “preliminary report” was submitted to it, and extended the inquiry report deadline. Health minister Rajesh Tope said, “The inquiry committee has not submitted any report yet. Let them take some more time and they should not be in any hurry, as they have to diligently carry out the investigation and then submit the report. We should expect the same within the next two to three days.”
In his order dated January 9, health commissioner N Ramaswamy had asked the panel to submit a report in three days. “The report is expected in two days. Today all experts were there and they will submit the report after carrying out a detailed assessment,” he told TOI.
Ramaswamy also said that the health department was working on ensuring preventive measures across all hospitals.
Senior officials said, “The CM would also seek details of what remedial measures have been taken after the incident in the special meeting.”
The 8-member inquiry panel led by divisional commissioner Sanjeev Kumar couldn’t submit the report on Tuesday, which was the fourth day of the probe.
Speaking to TOI, Kumar said, “We are all working on it. Entire day, we were at Bhandara hospital. We will complete it in next few days.”

Asked if any extension has been given, Kumar said instead of rushing with the report it is better to do it properly. “Why this tragedy took place and what systems should be put in place are also being looked at. There is no harm in taking some more time,” he said.
Regarding filing an FIR, Kumar said it was not the panel’s mandate. Once completed, the report would be handed over to the principal secretary (public heath).
State fire director and deputy BMC commissioner (disaster management and fire safety) PS Rahangdale, who is guiding the panel on technical issues, told TOI that the report may take more time. “The investigation will take time. Deputy chief fire officer (Mumbai) Rajendra Choudhary, divisional fire officer Parab and Nagpur’s CFO Rajendra Uchake were with me today at Bhandara. We almost accomplished our mission. There are some details we have sought. Our report will be combined with the Kumar panel,” he said.
Principal secretary (public health) Pradeep Vyas, Ramaswamy and Rahangdale visited the Bhandara hospital for the first time on Tuesday.
The probe is being handled by director of health services Dr Sadhana Tayade at the hospital level.
A panel member told TOI that the high profile visits slowed down the recording of statements, which went on beyond 9pm on Tuesday. A day earlier, nurses and doctors were quizzed by Dr Tayade and other members including GMCH’s paediatric head Dr Dipty Jain, PWD’s Hemant Patil, CFO Rajendra Choudhary and collector’s representative.
The inquiry panel observed that the seven inborn babies may not have survived but for the heroic efforts of two security guards, a telephone operator, civil surgeon’s office attendant and a male ICU nurse.
The member said Baban, Manoj Chilkar, male nurse Ajit Purjekar, security guards Gaurav Rehpade and Shivam Madwi recorded statements. “We applauded their efforts. No one exactly knew the way to inborn section. These men helped make a way for escape,” the member said.
Regarding media reports that a preliminary inquiry report was submitted to the government, the member said it was a cabinet note sent at the start of the probe. “Pictures of burned radiant warmers and intact electrical wiring were attached to the note,” the member said.
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