NAGPUR: The eight-member inquiry panel was said to be recording statements of the hospital staff till late Monday evening at the Bhandara district general hospital and was reportedly yet to finalize its report on the death of 10 premature babies in the fire at the Sick Newborn Care Unit.
In his January 9 order, health commissioner Ramaswamy N had asked the panel to submit its report within three days. Though the deadline lapsed on Monday, the panel may stretch finalizing its report by a day or two, hospital sources told TOI.
“The inquiry is still under way. Around 10 to 12 persons, including nurses, doctors and PWD engineers gave their statements,” they said.
The panel hasn’t yet called any eye witnesses or any of the 9 parents who lost their babies or even from among the six whose infants had a miraculous escape in the early hours of January 9.
Sources said the panel members have been making multiple rounds of the SNCU after recording statements to cross check claims. Some of the members are said to be putting up in Bhandara for the probe.
Dr Sadhana Tayade, who is now functioning under divisional commissioner Sanjeev Kumar in the panel, along with other members from GMCH, PWD electrical engineer (Nagpur division), expert from the fire safety section, biomedical engineer from health department (Nagpur) and district collector’s representative conducted the hearings.
Kumar was present in the preliminary inquiry on Sunday when chief minister Uddhav Thackeray visited the hospital. BMC deputy commissioner (disaster management and fire safety) PS Rahangdale too was yet to join the panel.
None of the top officials or panel members responded to TOI’s repeated calls and messages.
Health officials said the panel should have submitted the report by now. “A medical officer, two nurses and an attendant were on duty. How much time does it take to record statements of four persons. It is surprising that the panel is also questioning those who were not on duty at the time. In fact, it has also not called any of the eyewitnesses like the security guards, fire officials, locals and the parents who were actually present there,” they said.
The panel was also yet to quiz the paediatric in charge, additional civil surgeon and civil surgeon.
Officials said once Dr Tayade submits the report, the divisional commissioner, being made in charge, will vet it again and may make certain suggestions. “This will further delay the report to the government,” they said.
In his order, health commissioner Ramaswamy had mandated to the panel to find out the deficiencies which led to the fire in SNCU, assessment of fire safety systems and suggestions on preventing such incidents.
Health secretary Pradeep Vyas and health commissioner are yet to visit Bhandara. Though it was said they may visit this week, both didn’t respond regarding their tour.