Should Dy CM Rajendra Shukla Resign After Tragic Death of Newborn at Rewa Hospital?
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Synopsis
The tragic death of a newborn in a Rewa hospital has ignited strong criticism from the Madhya Pradesh Congress against the ruling BJP government, with calls for accountability and safety reforms in state-run medical facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Negligence in healthcare has serious consequences.
- Calls for accountability are vital in public health systems.
- Fire safety regulations must be strictly enforced.
- Government responses to tragedies need to be swift and effective.
- Public trust in healthcare is essential for effective governance.
Bhopal/Rewa, Dec 15 (NationPress) In light of the tragic passing of a newborn at the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital (SGMH) caused by a fire in Rewa district on Sunday, the Madhya Pradesh Congress, led by state president Jitu Patwari, has fiercely criticized the ruling BJP government.
The Congress party contends that government negligence has once again led to the death of an infant in a state-run hospital while claiming that the government is protecting Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who oversees the health department.
“This follows prior incidents, including the Coldraf cough syrup tragedy that claimed 26 young lives in Chhindwara and another incident at MY Hospital in Indore, where two children died. Now, a newborn has been charred to death in Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, which is located in the home district of Dy CM Rajendra Shukla, and yet the government remains completely silent,” stated PCC chief Jitu Patwari on Monday.
Expressing his dismay over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon, Patwari also pointed fingers at senior BJP member and Sidhi Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Mishra, whose nephew, Dr. Rahul Mishra, is the superintendent of the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in Madhya Pradesh.
“The BJP has turned the healthcare system in Madhya Pradesh into a farce. Numerous incidents continue to emerge from various regions, and each time, the government's only response is to initiate an inquiry. Why isn’t CM Mohan Yadav taking action to remove Dy CM Rajendra Shukla from his position?” Patwari questioned.
Reports indicate that the fire originated in the gynaecology ward, with flames spreading to the operation theatre. Hospital officials later confirmed that the body of a newborn, delivered during surgery, was left inside the OT during evacuation and was tragically burnt in the fire.
Hospital superintendent Rahul Mishra informed IANS that the baby was stillborn during the procedure. He explained that a separate fire had ignited in the OPD area at the same time, causing panic and prompting staff to prioritize the evacuation of patients.
“During this evacuation, the newborn’s body, which was in the operation theatre, could not be retrieved and was significantly damaged by the fire,” Dr. Mishra told IANS on Monday.
Dy CM Rajendra Shukla, who was present in Rewa on Sunday, claimed he was not informed about the newborn’s tragic death due to the fire incident. He promised that a thorough investigation would be conducted and strict actions would follow against anyone accountable.
In a shocking revelation, the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the largest healthcare institution in the Vindhya region, is reported to lack a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Sonawade stated that multiple notices had been issued to the hospital management for not adhering to fire safety regulations, noting that similar deficiencies exist in other major hospitals across Rewa.
In the wake of the incident, the health department has initiated an inquiry to investigate the fire's cause and the subsequent response, as concerns grow about accountability and patient safety in government healthcare facilities.
Point of View
This incident underscores the urgent need for reform and oversight in government healthcare systems. It raises critical questions about safety protocols and accountability, especially in the wake of repeated tragedies. The situation demands immediate attention to ensure the safety of patients in public hospitals across India.
NationPress
16/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the newborn's death at the hospital?
The newborn died due to a fire incident that occurred in the operation theatre of Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital during a surgical procedure.
Who is being held accountable for the incident?
The Madhya Pradesh Congress is demanding the resignation of Dy CM Rajendra Shukla, who oversees the health department, citing government negligence.
What safety measures were lacking at the hospital?
The Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital reportedly does not possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), indicating non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
The health department has ordered an inquiry into the fire's cause and the hospital's response to the incident.
What was the reaction from the Congress party?
The Congress party has strongly criticized the BJP government for its handling of the incident and called for immediate accountability and reforms in healthcare.
