Should There Be a Judicial Enquiry into the Jaipur Hospital Fire?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, eight patients lost their lives in a fire at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. Former CM Ashok Gehlot has called for a judicial enquiry, while the state government forms a panel. The clash between parties raises questions about accountability and transparency in healthcare. Will justice be served?
Key Takeaways
- Eight patients succumbed to a fire at SMS Hospital.
- A judicial enquiry has been demanded by former CM Ashok Gehlot.
- The state government has formed a high-level committee to investigate.
- Concerns regarding government negligence have been raised.
- Families are seeking transparency and accountability.
Jaipur, Oct 6 (NationPress) In the wake of the devastating fire that claimed the lives of eight patients at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has called for a judicial enquiry into this tragic event. Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa and Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham have countered this by announcing the formation of a six-member panel to investigate the incident.
Gehlot visited the trauma centre following the fire and spoke to the grieving families mourning their loved ones.
He criticized the Rajasthan government for its lack of action, stating, “We will communicate with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. It is deeply troubling that there has been no discussion about an investigation. The families of the victims are unaware of the whereabouts of the bodies. This is an extremely unfortunate situation. There is a complete absence of ministers or government officials. An incident of this nature warrants a judicial enquiry.”
Gehlot emphasized the need for transparency, asserting that the families of the deceased patients deserve clear answers regarding the fire, its cause, and the management of the crisis.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa affirmed that the Chief Minister and other senior officials were present at the hospital.
He stated, “The Chief Minister and all of us were here last night, and a committee has been established to investigate the cause of the fire. The Chief Minister is genuinely concerned, and we aim to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families.”
Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham accused the Congress of being indifferent to the tragedy. “The Congress Party has shown a lack of sensitivity. As soon as we learned about the fire, we rushed to the hospital. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and I assessed the situation and met with the victims' families. This is an incredibly tragic event,” he remarked.
Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra joined the discourse, accusing the state government of negligence and highlighting ongoing failures in public healthcare management: “People have lost their lives due to governmental negligence. The government is insensitive and has utterly failed. Individuals are dying due to fires and expired medications… The authorities are paying no attention.”
The Rajasthan government has established a six-member high-level committee, led by Commissioner Iqbal Khan, to investigate the causes of the fire and assess emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, the public is demanding accountability, compensation, and assurances that such a tragedy will not recur.
Point of View
We recognize the gravity of the tragedy at SMS Hospital. Both the demand for a judicial enquiry and the formation of a panel signify a critical moment for accountability in healthcare. This situation underscores the need for transparency and thorough investigation to ensure such incidents don’t recur in the future. Our thoughts are with the affected families as they seek justice and clarity.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at SMS Hospital?
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by a six-member panel formed by the Rajasthan government.
How many patients died in the fire?
Unfortunately, eight patients lost their lives in the tragic incident at the Trauma Centre.
What has the government said about the incident?
The Rajasthan government has set up a committee to investigate the cause and has emphasized its concern for the families affected.
What is Ashok Gehlot's stance on the tragedy?
Ashok Gehlot has called for a judicial enquiry, criticizing the government for a lack of transparency and accountability.
What actions are being taken for the victims' families?
The government has expressed its intent to provide relief to the families of the deceased, although specific measures have yet to be detailed.
