The registration of a private hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, where six people died from asphyxiation following a fire in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), has been suspended, an official confirmed on Saturday.
Incident Details
On Thursday, a short circuit caused smoke to fill the ICU ward, leading to the deaths of five patients. The hospital staff allegedly abandoned their posts, leaving patients unattended. A sixth patient succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at another healthcare facility on Friday.
Registration Suspension
Muzaffarpur District Public Relations Officer Pramod Kumar stated, "In view of the hospital management's disregard for safety standards and negligence, the Civil Surgeon of Muzaffarpur has suspended the registration of Prasad Hospital with immediate effect." The hospital management has been directed to submit a factual explanation along with necessary records and evidence within seven days.
Legal Actions
Three hospital staff members were arrested in connection with the fire incident, as confirmed by Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police Mohibullah Ansari on Friday. Director General (Fire) Shobha Ahotkar reported that all deaths were caused by asphyxiation, with no burn injuries observed.
The incident has raised serious concerns about patient safety and emergency preparedness in private healthcare facilities, prompting authorities to take strict action against negligence.
