{
  "id": 6524978,
  "title": "Amravati hospital fire: Five officials suspended, two firms face blacklisting over safety lapses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/amravati-hospital-fire-five-officials-suspended-two-firms-face",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T02:30:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/amravati-hospital-fire-five-officials-suspended-two-firms-face-blacklisting-over-safety-lapses-10870802/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Five officials have been suspended and two companies face potential blacklisting following the investigation into a devastating fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Amravati District Women’s Hospital on August 24. The inquiry committee, led by Health Services Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, uncovered significant shortcomings in the maintenance of critical medical equipment, malfunctioning fire alarms, and obstructed fire sprinklers. Additionally, the fire pump house was locked at the time of the fire. The report was submitted to the Maharashtra government, which has initiated disciplinary actions against the individuals found accountable. Among the suspended officials are Dr Sushilkumar Wakchaure, Deputy Director, Health Services, Akola Circle; Dr Vinod Pawar, Medical Superintendent of Amravati Women’s Hospital; Dr Arun Salunkhe, Additional District Surgeon; the hospital’s administrative officer; and its electrician. They were held responsible for inadequate supervision. The government has also directed proceedings under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, against officials and employees for negligence, irresponsible behavior, and managerial shortcomings. Furthermore, Public Works Department officials responsible for the lapses are under scrutiny. The Maharashtra government has initiated the process of excluding AOV International LLP, the company that supplied equipment to the hospital, from future contracts, following the finding of prima facie breaches. A forensic report is being obtained from the medical equipment manufacturer, Schiller Company, with a blacklist process to follow suit. The fire occurred while newborns were receiving critical care, leading to the evacuation of thirty-six infants to other hospitals. The inquiry also investigated potential irregularities in the Public Works Department’s electrical audit of the hospital. As a result of the report, the government has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and NICUs, making fire safety drills mandatory in government hospitals. Strict adherence to fire and electrical safety standard operating procedures and medical equipment maintenance protocols will be enforced. District collectors, Zilla Parishad chief executives, and municipal commissioners have been instructed to complete electrical and fire safety audits in their regions within three months. Those who assisted in evacuating the infants during the fire will be honored for their swift response.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Five digital safety lessons every child needs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/five-digital-safety-lessons-every-child-needs",
        "published": "2026-09-10T00:56:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}