Jaipur SMS Hospital Fire: Superintendent, Trauma Centre In-Charge removed

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that eight patients were killed and five remain critical after a massive fire broke out late Sunday night in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur. In response, the Rajasthan government has ordered a probe into the incident, while relatives of the deceased patients have alleged negligence and a lack of firefighting equipment.

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An FIR has been registered against SK Electric Company, the agency responsible for maintaining fire safety at the hospital, and its contract has been cancelled.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the hospital in the early hours of Monday at 3 a.m. to assess the situation. Following his visit, he directed strict action against those found responsible. Subsequently, Dr Mrinal Joshi was appointed as the new Superintendent of SMS Hospital, and Dr. B.L. Yadav took charge as the Trauma Centre Superintendent.

Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, who also visited the site, reviewed the situation following the incident. He stated that the accident was extremely tragic. He expressed condolences to the six deceased and prayed to God to give the families the strength to bear this loss, reports ANI.

Minister Khinvsar announced the formation of a high-level six-member committee, led by the Medical Education Commissioner, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report promptly.

Meanwhile, repair work on the damaged ICU is underway, with the hospital administration directed to make alternative arrangements for patients during the restoration period.

The committee’s findings are expected to play a critical role in ensuring that appropriate corrective actions are taken. Minister Khinvsar emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence or wrongdoing, and that the families of the victims would receive compensation for their loss.

Speaking to ANI, Khinvsar stated that the Medical Education Department had directed the CISF in June to prepare a detailed report on improving fire safety and other security measures at Sawai Mansingh Hospital and its affiliated hospitals. This report will also be received soon. In accordance with this report, security arrangements will be strengthened in Sawai Mansingh Hospital and its affiliated hospitals in the first phase.

Senior officials, including Medical Education Secretary Ambrish Kumar, Medical Education Commissioner Iqbal Khan, and Principal of SMS Medical College Deepak Maheshwari, were present during the inspection and have been tasked with overseeing the immediate implementation of safety measures.

According to hospital officials, the blaze was triggered by a short circuit in the Trauma ICU on the second floor. At the time, 11 patients were in the ICU and 13 in the adjacent semi-ICU.

Many relatives, who had been at the hospital for hours, recalled the terrifying scene. A patient's relative said that when a spark occurred, a cylinder was present beside it. Smoke was spread throughout the ICU, causing panic and forcing everyone to flee. While some patients were rescued by their attendants, mine was left alone in the room. As the gas spread further, the gates were shut.

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Dr. Anurag Dhakad, then Trauma Centre Superintendent, stated that the hospital team evacuated all 24 patients using trolleys. While CPR was administered to the six most critical patients, he confirmed that they could not be revived.