Anupam Pal,Kailashahar
This afternoon, a shocking incident occurred at RGM Sub-Divisional Hospital, located in the heart of the city. A sudden electrical short circuit in the hospital’s labor room triggered a fire, creating an atmosphere of panic all around.
Pregnant women, newborns, and their mothers admitted to the hospital started running in fear. In the rush to escape, many patients and relatives rushed outside. While hurrying downstairs, one woman slipped on the second-floor staircase and sprained her leg. She was later admitted to another ward for treatment.
Eyewitnesses at the hospital said that as soon as the fire broke out, patients left their beds and took shelter on the verandas and in the courtyard. Fire department officials were informed, and they quickly reached the spot and managed to bring the fire under control. However, by then several valuable machines in the labor room, including the baby warmer, were destroyed in the blaze.
Relatives of the patients alleged that the hospital’s electrical lines had not been properly maintained for a long time. It is learned that although demands for repair had been raised earlier, no steps were taken by the authorities. Since morning, there had been a power outage in the city, and electricity was being supplied through a generator. The fire reportedly broke out during this emergency supply.
Following the incident, patients and their families expressed strong resentment. They said such negligence in maintaining the power lines of a crucial place like a hospital is completely unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the hospital authorities stated that a list of damages is being prepared. They also assured that the cause of the fire will be investigated and that immediate steps will be taken to repair the electrical lines.
About the Author
