A fire scare at Daga Memorial Government Women's Hospital in Nagpur, which endangered the lives of ten newborns, has brought attention to the ongoing flyover construction activity near the hospital. A preliminary inquiry has pointed to electrical overloading and repeated tripping, allegedly linked to the construction work, as the probable cause.
Electrical Fluctuations and Tripping
Hospital authorities reported that all wards experienced electrical fluctuations and tripping on the day of the incident. Following the fire on May 13, the in-born unit of the hospital's 42-bedded Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) was temporarily shut down. The preliminary inquiry into the short-circuit that triggered the fire and smoke indicated that the ongoing flyover construction activity within the campus might be responsible.
Allegations Against NHAI
Hospital officials alleged that excavation and digging for underground cables as part of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project damaged several cables, drainage lines, and water pipelines on the premises. However, NHAI regional officer CM Sinha denied these allegations, stating that no such work was being carried out inside the hospital premises.
Dr. Dilip Madavi, medical superintendent of the hospital, told TOI that extensive excavation work had taken place on the campus for the flyover project. A portion of the hospital has already been acquired for one arm of the flyover, resulting in the demolition and relocation of its 40-bedded Ophthalmology department to the District General Hospital in Mankapur. "The overloading took place when they were shifting the electric lines and transferred the load on an alternate line. Later, we found not just the SNCU but all the wards were facing electrical fluctuations and frequent tripping," Dr. Madavi said.
Impact on Hospital Operations
Hospital insiders revealed that the flyover work has also left the hospital without an entrance gate, while ambulance movement remains severely affected throughout the day. A medical officer alleged that the NHAI failed to deploy a warden to regulate traffic outside the hospital. "Many times ambulances remain stuck, while patients too face great hardship as encroachers occupy the open space in front of the hospital," the officer said, adding that dust and noise from the construction site have further worsened conditions for patients and staff.
Closure of In-Born Unit
The decision to shut the in-born unit was taken after an assessment by the Public Works Department (PWD) the following day. All newborns admitted there have since been shifted to another block within the hospital premises. Dr. Madavi said the unit would remain closed for another three to four days as fumigation, sterilisation, and sanitisation work was underway to prevent infections.
Protest by Shiv Sena Medical Assistance Cell
Members of the Shiv Sena Medical Assistance Cell staged a protest outside the hospital, alleging negligence in patient safety, poor sanitation, inadequate security, and shortage of medical facilities. A delegation led by East Vidarbha chief Pravin Lata Balmukund Sharma submitted a memorandum to Dr. Madavi demanding immediate corrective measures. The issue was also reportedly conveyed to the organisation's central office in Thane.
Alleged Irregularities
The memorandum highlighted several alleged irregularities at the hospital. Protesters claimed that anti-social activities, including consumption of alcohol and tobacco products, were taking place inside the campus because of inadequate security and lack of regular police patrolling. The organisation further alleged that construction of the new hospital building had stalled because only Rs14 crore of the sanctioned Rs21 crore had been released, while the remaining Rs7 crore was pending.
Concerns were also raised over hygiene and drinking water facilities. Protesters alleged that patients were often forced to purchase medicines from outside because several prescribed drugs were unavailable at the hospital. Complaints regarding rude behaviour by some doctors and nurses, along with shortage of doctors, technicians, and other staff, were also highlighted.
Demands Raised
Among the demands raised by the organisation were installation of CCTV cameras, establishment of a permanent police outpost, better patrolling, restoration of drinking water facilities, action against the cleaning contractor, availability of medicines within the hospital, and immediate release of the pending Rs7 crore funds.
