RIMS fire: Three safety audits ordered, expert probe into newborn ward blaze

RIMS fire: Three safety audits ordered, expert probe into newborn ward blaze

<p>HYDERABAD: Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister C Damodar Rajanarsimha has ordered a comprehensive probe into the fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad. He also directed officials to conduct electrical, fire and civil structure safety audits at the hospital. The fire broke out around [...]<content:encoded><![CDATA[<strong>HYDERABAD:</strong> Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister C Damodar <a href="https://x.com/IPRTelangana/status/2102402308139348085?s=20">Rajanarsimha</a> has ordered a comprehensive probe into the fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad. He also directed officials to conduct electrical, fire and civil structure safety audits at the hospital. The fire broke out around 11.40 pm on Monday in the newborn ward. A preliminary probe suggested that an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioner unit triggered the flames. Melted plastic components then caused thick smoke to spread through the ward, the minister said. Rajanarsimha visited <a href="https://hyderabadmail.com/rims-adilabad-hospital-fire-5-day-old-newborn-dies/">RIMS</a> on Tuesday and inspected the affected ward. He sought details from district collector Rajarshi Shah, RIMS officials and doctors about the rescue operation. He also reviewed the condition of the infants and the treatment being provided. Later, the minister held a review meeting in the RIMS director&039;s chamber. The collector, senior Medical and Health Department officials and doctors attended the meeting. <h3>Probe to examine safety lapses and maintenance issues</h3> Rajanarsimha said the preliminary findings did not fully establish the cause of the fire. They also did not confirm whether all safety standards had been followed. Therefore, an expert committee will investigate the incident. The panel will examine the cause of the fire, possible safety lapses and maintenance issues. It will also suggest measures to prevent similar incidents. The minister said RIMS staff, the district administration, fire department and police acted quickly to evacuate the newborns. Officials also cut off the power supply and provided emergency medical care to the affected infants. Rajanarsimha described the deaths of three newborns as heart-wrenching. He said doctors were continuously monitoring the health of the affected infants. If required, the government will also seek support from nearby private hospitals. The minister warned that officials would take action if the probe found negligence or irresponsibility. This would include lapses in maintenance, monitoring or implementation of safety standards. <h3>RIMS expansion planned with 150-bed MCH facility</h3> The government has decided to build a 150-bed Mother and Child Health facility at RIMS. The new building will strengthen maternity, maternal and newborn care services. RIMS currently has around 800 beds. With the proposed facility, the government plans to expand the institute to nearly 950 beds. It also aims to develop RIMS as a super speciality centre. In addition, the government plans to introduce new departments, including haematology and emergency medicine. The haematology department will treat conditions such as thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia. Meanwhile, the emergency medicine department will handle road accidents and other emergencies. The minister said the government would also increase postgraduate medical seats. It plans to expand outpatient and inpatient services as well. Postgraduate seats in departments such as paediatrics, gynaecology and radiology are also proposed to be increased. <h3>Estimates to cover repairs, infrastructure and manpower</h3> Rajanarsimha directed officials to prepare comprehensive estimates after receiving the expert committee&039;s findings and safety audit reports. The estimates will cover repairs, additional infrastructure and restoration works. They will also include new buildings, staff recruitment and other requirements at RIMS. The minister said the government would focus on strengthening basic infrastructure and providing adequate manpower. Improving patient care and tightening safety standards will also remain key priorities at RIMS. Local MLA Payal Shanker, Medical and Health Department secretary Christina J.D. Changthu, Directorate of Medical Education director Vani, collector Rajarshi Shah and superintendent of police Akhil Mahajan attended the meeting. ITDA project officer Manda Makarand, additional collector R.S. Chithru, municipal chairperson Bandari Anuush, library chairman Mallepool Narsayya and market committee chairman Sreekanth Reddy were also present. RIMS director Jaisingh Rathod, district medical and health officer Sadhana, doctors and medical staff also attended the meeting. ]]>