A fire triggered by an alleged electrical short circuit at a Corporation Hospital in Purasaiwalkam in Chennai has left a newborn baby with burn injuries, prompting an official investigation and raising concerns over safety protocols in public healthcare facilities, as reported in Tamil Getlokal.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred shortly after the infant’s delivery. The newborn, only hours old, sustained burns on the back and thigh. The baby has since been shifted to the Institute of Child Health for specialised treatment. Authorities have not yet released a detailed medical bulletin on the infant’s current condition.
Police have launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire, with preliminary indications pointing to an electrical fault within the hospital premises.
The child’s mother, who had delivered at the facility, described a sequence of events that has intensified scrutiny of hospital response and communication.
She stated that she had been under treatment for a prolonged period and chose the hospital based on the assurance of a senior doctor known to her. According to her account, the delivery procedure initially proceeded without complications, and she was briefly shown the baby following birth.
However, during the post-operative phase, she reported hearing panic among hospital staff. She stated that she witnessed the newborn sustaining burn injuries but was reassured by staff that the baby was safe.
The mother further stated that she has not been given clear information about her child’s condition. She expressed distress over being asked to proceed with discharge formalities without being informed about the baby’s status and demanded accountability from the hospital authorities.
The incident has sparked concern over emergency preparedness and electrical safety in government-run hospitals. Officials indicated that a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact sequence of events, including whether established safety protocols were followed.
Authorities are also expected to examine staff response during the incident and the communication provided to the patient’s family.
Further updates on the baby’s condition and the findings of the investigation are awaited.
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