In a decisive action following a tragic fire in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Muzaffarpur, the district administration has sealed 13 private nursing homes and health institutions operating near Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH). The fire, which broke out on Thursday morning, claimed seven lives and left two patients in critical condition.
Details of the Incident
Five patients died on the day of the incident, one succumbed to injuries on Friday, and another—a kidney patient who had gone for dialysis a day before the fire—died on Saturday due to burn injuries. The administration acted swiftly to prevent further tragedies.
Inspection and Sealing Drive
The sealing drive was conducted during a special inspection campaign led by Sub-Divisional Officer (East) Tushar Kumar, on the instructions of the District Magistrate. Kumar confirmed that 12 institutions were sealed on Saturday and one on Friday. He emphasized that inspections would continue to ensure all private health institutions comply with prescribed guidelines.
Inspection Teams and Violations
To prioritize patient safety and restore quality services as per government norms, the administration constituted three separate inspection teams. These teams inspected private hospitals, nursing homes, and ultrasound centers operating in the vicinity of SKMCH. During the inspections, several establishments were found to be non-compliant with government standards, licensing requirements, and provisions under clinical establishment rules. Officials reported that some facilities failed to produce mandatory documents, while irregularities in the delivery and management of health services were detected at multiple locations.
List of Sealed Institutions
The sealed institutions include Balaji Health Care, Radius Health Care, Santosh Child Care Hospital, Asha Health Care, Shri Gangaram Emergency Hospital, Tirupati Nursing Home, Ayushman Health Care and Hospital, Samrat Hospital, S-S Hospital, Health Care and Hospital, Bhumi Child Care Hospital, and Om Ultrasound.
Official Statements
The Civil Surgeon stated that adherence to prescribed standards is mandatory for all health service providers and that no compromise would be tolerated when it comes to patient life and safety. The administration remains committed to ensuring that private health facilities operate within the legal framework and provide safe and quality care to patients.
