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Relatives gather outside Baby Care Hospital after a fire broke out that killed seven newborns, in Delhi on May 26. (Image: PTI/Manvender Vashist Lav)
Police said that no fire extinguisher was installed in the hospital for any emergency in case of fire and there was no emergency exit in the facility either
The private children’s hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area where seven newborns died in a massive fire late on Saturday, was operating despite the expiry of its license. It also did not have qualified doctors and had no clearance from the fire department, police said on Sunday.
“The licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of Delhi, has already expired on March 31. Even the expired licence issued to the said hospital allowed for five beds only,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said.
Choudhary noted that 12 newborns were admitted to the hospital at the time of the incident.
“During the investigations, we got to know that the doctors are not qualified/competent to treat the newborn children in need of Neo-Natal Incentive care, as they are BAMS degree holders only,” said the DCP.
No Fire Extinguishers Or Emergency Exit In Hospital
Police further said that no fire extinguisher was installed in the hospital for any emergency in case of fire and there was no emergency exit in the facility either.
Officials of the Fire Department said that the hospital also had no NOC from the department.
“The building has no fire NOC. Rest we will also check documents related to the NOC on Monday,” an official of the DFS said.
The owner of the facility, who was absconding since Saturday night, was arrested by Delhi Police on Sunday. The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire tragedy.
The owner of the baby care centre, Dr Naveen, is currently being interrogated by the police. It has been learnt that the police is mulling to impose section 304 against the accused. Reportedly, Naveen owns several other baby care centres as well.
(With PTI inputs)
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