Journalism of Courage
At least six newborns died in a fire at a private neonatal care facility in East Delhi's Vivek Vihar on Sunday. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, according to the Delhi Fire Service. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
Apart from the firefighters, it was a small group — two nurses and five neighbours — who braved the flames and risked their lives to pull out five newborns after the fire broke out. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
The hospital, Baby Care New Born Hospital, was found to be operating with an expired registration from the Directorate General of Health Services. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
According to the police, there was no qualified doctor on duty at the time of a fire. Dr. Akash, who was on duty, had a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree, not suitable for neonatal care. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
The hospital was authorized to admit only five patients but had 12 newborns under the care of only two nurses and one doctor. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
Dr. Naveen Khichi, the facility's owner, and Dr. Akash were arrested and booked under multiple IPC sections, including causing death by negligence and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
The incident triggered another tussle between the bureaucracy and the elected AAP government. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Sunday said that he tried to contact the secretary SB Deepak Kumar through the day but did not receive a response.(Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
