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Key Points

A devastating fire at Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital resulted in eight patient deaths and three critical injuries. The National Human Rights Commission has immediately taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Authorities have been directed to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks, including details of potential compensation. The event has raised significant questions about hospital safety and emergency preparedness in government healthcare facilities.

Key Points: NHRC Investigates Jaipur SMS Hospital Fire Tragedy

  • NHRC issues notices to Rajasthan Chief Secretary and DGP
  • 18 patients were in ICU when fire broke out
  • High-level investigation committee formed by state government
  • Toxic smoke hampered rescue operations
2 min read

NHRC takes suo motu cognisance of fire at Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital

National Human Rights Commission launches probe into deadly Sawai Man Singh Hospital fire that claimed 8 lives and critically injured 3 patients

"The contents of the report, if true, raise serious concerns of human rights violations - NHRC Official Statement"

New Delhi, Oct 14

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that eight patients died and three others were critically injured in a fire at the trauma centre ICU of the government-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Rajasthan's Jaipur.

According to the press report, carried on October 6, 18 patients were admitted to the ICU and semi-ICU wards of the hospital when the fire broke out. The blaze and toxic smoke reportedly hampered rescue operations.

The incident at Jaipur's largest hospital has raised serious questions about administrative preparedness and the state's health infrastructure.

The Rajasthan government has directed the formation of a high-level investigation committee. Taking note of the incident, the NHRC observed that the contents of the report, if true, raise serious concerns of human rights violations of the victims.

The apex human rights body has issued notices to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the victims.

Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC, an autonomous statutory body, is an embodiment of India's concern for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Its primary role is to protect and promote human rights, defined as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

The apex human rights body has the power to take suo motu (on its own motion) action based on media reports, public knowledge or other sources, without receiving a formal complaint of human rights violations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that NHRC has taken suo motu action. But why wait for such tragedies to happen? Regular safety audits should be mandatory for all hospitals. The trauma centre ICU of all places should have the highest safety standards.
A
Arjun K
Toxic smoke in ICU? This shows complete failure of basic infrastructure. These patients were already fighting for their lives and then this happens. The authorities must be held accountable and proper compensation given to families.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate NHRC's prompt action, I'm concerned that these investigations often don't lead to real change. We need systemic reforms in our healthcare infrastructure, not just committees and reports.
V
Vikram M
This is why common people fear government hospitals. Private hospitals may be expensive but at least they maintain basic safety standards. Government needs to prioritize public healthcare infrastructure immediately.
M
Michael C
The fact that rescue operations were hampered by smoke in a hospital ICU is unacceptable. Basic fire safety measures like smoke detectors, sprinklers and emergency exits should be non-negotiable in healthcare facilities.

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