📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ashish Wankhade (User:Wankash)
Health
36 newborns evacuated after fire at Amravati hospital, smoke threatens lungs
✍️ Devdiscourse
🗓 26 Aug 2026, 08:37 AM
👁 5
A fire broke out in the neonatal unit of Amravati's government hospital, prompting the transfer of 36 newborns to nearby facilities. Health officials warn that inhalation of smoke could affect the infants' respiratory health.
A blaze erupted in the neonatal ward of the Government Medical College and Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, on Tuesday evening. Firefighters contained the flames within an hour, but the incident forced staff to move 36 newborns, including several premature infants, to safer locations in neighboring hospitals.
The District Civil Surgeon, Dr. S. Patil, said that while the infants were unharmed physically, exposure to smoke could irritate their delicate lungs and may require close monitoring. "We have initiated respiratory checks and will provide supplemental oxygen if needed," he added.
Parents were informed and reassured that the babies are under continuous medical supervision. The hospital administration is cooperating with the fire department to investigate the cause of the fire and to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
Local authorities have ordered a safety audit of all neonatal units in the district to prevent future hazards.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for robust fire safety measures in healthcare facilities, especially those housing vulnerable patients.
The District Civil Surgeon, Dr. S. Patil, said that while the infants were unharmed physically, exposure to smoke could irritate their delicate lungs and may require close monitoring. "We have initiated respiratory checks and will provide supplemental oxygen if needed," he added.
Parents were informed and reassured that the babies are under continuous medical supervision. The hospital administration is cooperating with the fire department to investigate the cause of the fire and to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
Local authorities have ordered a safety audit of all neonatal units in the district to prevent future hazards.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for robust fire safety measures in healthcare facilities, especially those housing vulnerable patients.