The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra following a reported fire incident at the Sick Newborn Care Unit of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, in which three newborn babies reportedly died and four others sustained injuries.
The Commission took suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the incident and has directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
According to the reported details, the fire broke out at the hospital’s Sick Newborn Care Unit on August 25. Three newborns reportedly lost their lives, while four others were injured in the incident.
The NHRC observed that if the contents of the media report are found to be true, the incident raises a serious issue of violation of human rights. The Commission is seeking details regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire, the casualties and injuries, and the steps taken by the authorities in response to the incident.
The state government’s report will help the Commission assess the circumstances of the incident and determine whether further action is required.
