New Delhi, May 28
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken suo motu cognisance of the fire incident at a newborn baby care hospital in Vivek Vihar, which resulted in the deaths of seven newborns.
During their visit, the NCPCR observed significant safety violations at the nursing home, including the absence of an emergency exit, non-functional fire extinguishers and emergency fire alarms, and no automatic water sprinkler systems. These deficiencies violate the National Building Code of India, 2016 (Fire and Life Safety), and the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority.
Priyank Kanoongo, the chief of NCPCR stated on X."The Commission has taken cognizance of the incident of fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar area of Delhi and the death of newborn babies. A team of CrPC @NCPCR_ will visit the hospital today to investigate the incident. Official information will be shared after the team's visit,"
The Delhi government has ordered all private and state-run hospitals to complete a fire audit and submit a compliance report by June 8.
The police had arrested Dr. Naveen Khichi, the hospital's owner, and Dr. Aakash, who were on duty during the fire.
The probe has shown that the hospital owner, who operated another illegal nursing home in Paschimpuri. The Vivek Vihar facility was functioning with 12 beds instead of the five it was permitted for, and a case has been registered against the owner.
The Delhi Fire Service had no record of a fire NOC for the hospital. Moving forward, a checklist for systems such as smoke detection and fire extinguishers will be required for hospital registration.
