Nashik: ZP CEO Omkar Pawar Conducts Surprise NICU Inspection, Orders Immediate Rectification

Amravati's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) tragedy prompted Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Omkar Pawar to conduct an unannounced inspection at the district's District General Hospital on Monday. The objective was to evaluate the safety and quality of newborn healthcare facilities within the Nashik district. During his visit, Pawar meticulously assessed the medical resources available for infants, checked the functionality of equipment, scrutinized oxygen systems, evaluated power and backup power provisions, examined cleanliness standards, ensured infection prevention protocols, inspected medicine inventory levels, scrutinized fire safety measures, and evaluated emergency response capabilities.

The ZP CEO directed officials to rectify the shortcomings and defects identified during the inspection without delay, stressing that no safety-related issues should be left unresolved in a critical department like the NICU. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring all neonatal care equipment is operational, uninterrupted oxygen supply and backup power, adequate stocks of essential medicines and medical supplies, and strict adherence to infection control protocols.

Additional instructions included conducting an immediate fire safety audit of the NICU and related health facilities. Pawar also directed the preparation and submission of proposals addressing the inspection's findings under the District Planning Committee (DPC). He underscored that there would be no compromise on newborn health and safety, emphasizing the priority to rectify all identified shortcomings and enhance the NICU's safety, efficiency, and quality.

Officials present during the inspection included Assistant District Collector Dr Jaykumar Ade, District Civil Surgeon Dr Satish Shimpi, In-charge District Health Officer Dr Rajendra Bagul, along with district hospital medical officers and staff.