A fire broke out inside the intensive care unit (ICU) of Dr. Ambedkar Hospital at Vikhroli East in Mumbai during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, leading the authorities to shift out six patients. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
An alert doctor at the civic-run Dr. Ambedkar Maternity Hospital in Vikhroli saved multiple lives. The doctor spotted smoke in one of the air suction motors in the intensive care unit (ICU) and alerted the on-duty medical officer. The incident happened on Sunday at around 1.50 a.m. Six patients who were under treatment at the hospital’s 10-bed ICU on the ground floor were promptly evacuated.
Six patients were identified as Shivaji Dhele (65), Vimal Tiwari (60), Yashodabai Rathod (58), Sushmita Ghokshe (23), Kantaprasad Nirmal (75), and Arun Haribhagat (64). As a precautionary measure, they were evacuated and shifted to the Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar, and Krantiveer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Hospital, Vikhroli.
Shivaji Dhele (65) and Vimal Tiwari (60) were shifted to Rajawadi Hospital at Ghatkopar to provide uninterrupted ICU support as they were in critical condition when admitted.
BMC officials confirmed that the other four patients in the casualty wards are in stable condition. The fire is believed to have originated from a cable malfunction in the air suction motor. The fire was successfully extinguished around 2:55 a.m., showcasing the efficiency of the emergency response team.
The hospital administration and BMC have ensured a detailed review of safety protocols, equipment, and infrastructure to improve the overall preparedness of healthcare facilities in the face of sudden emergencies.
According to the fire department audit, the spark occurred in one of the motors of the suction units. As per the fire department officials, the unit was not in use for the last 2–3 years, and the motor was damaged. It could be the reason for the spark.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi)
