Supreme Court advocate Amit Dwivedi has written to the chief justice of India, seeking a time-bound inquiry into a blaze in the neonatal intensive care unit of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh that killed 17 infants. In the letter to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Sunday (Nov 24), Dwivedi — who hails from the Bundelkhand region — sought the constitution of a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge “to conduct a time-bound inquiry into the fire incident in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) of the government-run hospital… which resulted in the deaths of 15 infants”.
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NEW DELHI: Supreme Court advocate Amit Dwivedi penned a heartfelt plea to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, calling for a prompt and thorough investigation into the tragic fire that ravaged the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh, claiming the lives of 17 infants.
Dwivedi’s letter to CJI Sanjiv Khanna, sent on Sunday, underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice in the wake of this devastating incident.
Advocate’s Call for Action
Dwivedi, who hails from the Bundelkhand region, has demanded the establishment of a dedicated panel led by a retired Supreme Court judge.
He stated that the purpose of the panel would be
“to conduct a time-bound inquiry into the fire incident in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) of the government-run hospital… which resulted in the deaths of 15 infants.”
The advocate emphasized the gravity of the situation and highlighted the critical importance of ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.
The Tragic Incident: A Community Shaken
On the night of November 15, a catastrophic fire engulfed the neonatal intensive care unit at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi. While 39 newborns were heroically rescued from the flames, the incident claimed the lives of 17 infants, leaving families and communities shattered.
The medical college, a government-run institution, has come under scrutiny for the apparent lack of safety measures that may have contributed to this avoidable disaster.
Demand for Accountability
Dwivedi’s letter calls for swift action, pointing to the necessity of understanding what led to the blaze and addressing any systemic failures that may have allowed it to occur. He urged the Chief Justice to prioritize the constitution of the investigative panel to ensure transparency and justice for the victims and their families.
“Such incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger safety protocols and accountability in government-run healthcare facilities,”
-Dwivedi’s letter implied, resonating with the collective demand for answers and action.
Moving Forward
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within India’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in critical care units like NICUs. The advocate’s demand for a retired Supreme Court judge to lead the inquiry reflects the pressing need for impartiality and expertise in addressing the matter.
As the nation mourns the loss of these young lives, the focus remains on ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, and future measures are taken to safeguard India’s healthcare facilities.
The unfolding developments on this case will undoubtedly set a precedent for how such tragedies are addressed in the future, balancing the scales of justice and systemic reform.
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