NCPCR seeks report in Bhandara hospital fire from dist collector
Mumbai, January 09
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Saturday asked the Bhandara district collector to send the factual action taken report of the fire incident in the district hospital that claimed the life of 10 infants, within 48 hours.
In a letter to District Collector Sandip Kadam, NCPCR wrote that the commission has taken cognizance of news reports about the incident and requested him to conduct an inquiry.
“You are requested to conduct an inquiry into the matter and send a factual action taken report to the Commission, along with all the necessary documents within 48 hours from the receipt of this letter,” the letter said.
Earlier today, Kadam informed the media that a technical committee will investigate to ascertain the reason behind the fire.
“The fire that broke out at around 2 AM claimed the lives of 10 children. But we have been able to save the lives of 7 children. A technical committee will investigate to ascertain the reason behind the fire,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has directed an immediate inquiry into the incident. It has also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of children who died in the fire.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has ordered an audit of all hospitals in the state on an urgent basis.
As many as 10 children died in the fire that broke out SNCU of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am on Saturday. (ANI)
decision was taken at a meeting on Saturday in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the status of COVID-19 in the country and preparedness of states and union territories for vaccination against the disease.
A PMO release said that priority will be given to the healthcare workers and the frontline workers estimated to be around three crores followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities which number around 27 crores.
“After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc., the COVID-19 vaccination will start from January 16, 2021,” a PMO release said.
The Prime Minister took a detailed and comprehensive review of the status of COVID management covering various issues.
Emergency Use Authorisation or Accelerated Approval has been granted by the National Regulator for two vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – which have established safety and immunogenicity, the release said.
The Prime Minister was briefed about the preparedness status of the Centre in close collaboration with the state and UT governments for the rollout of the vaccine.
The release said vaccination exercise is underpinned by the principles of people’s participation (jan bhagidari), utilizing experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP).