New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three newborns and injuries to four others in a fire at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra.
The incident occurred on August 24, reportedly following a blast in a ventilator machine. According to the media report, nine babies were present in the SNCU when the fire broke out. One of the four injured newborns was reported to be in critical condition.
The NHRC observed that, if the reported facts are true, the incident raises serious concerns relating to human rights violations.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The report has been sought on the condition of the injured babies and the status of compensation announced by the state government, including whether the promised financial assistance has been disbursed.
The Commission said the report would help ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and the steps taken by the authorities following the tragedy.
