Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Panel Calls for Report on Jhansi Hospital Fire That Killed 10 Newborns

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a stern notice to the Uttar Pradesh government after a tragic hospital fire in Jhansi took the lives of 10 newborn babies. The tragic incident happened in the Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Sixteen other children are reported to be in critical condition, while 44 children were rescued from the fire.

The fire, which started on the night of [insert date], caused wide panic among hospital staff and the families of newborn babies. The incident has brought fire to the buttocks of Indian hospitals regarding safety standards. Now, the Human Rights Panel has intervened and sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh government. According to the report, in its notice, it directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to submit a detailed report of the case within one week.

This tragic incident has raised questions surrounding the safety of infants in hospitals, in particular, and highlighted issues in specialized units like NICU. The cause of this fire is still under investigation; however, it has forced the local authorities to establish urgency and account in laying down transparency and accountability clearly and promptly. NHRC reminds the Government that there should be urgent action taken to ensure the safety and security of the patients, more so vulnerable new-born patients.

In its communication, the NHRC also expressed deep concern regarding the absence of proper fire safety measures and procedures in the hospital. It has brought out a stark loss of life as well as the critical condition of several children, bringing out the necessity for a strong norm of safety all over the country's healthcare institutions. Such an incident has again called for added checks and better facilities for emergency preparedness in medical establishments.

Nevertheless, this is still an unfolding saga that the public, and particularly the victims' families, expect answers from: what caused the fire and what will prevent such tragedies in the future.

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