Akhilesh Yadav criticized the UP government over the massive fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi

Lucknow: The head of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, blasted the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday for the deaths of ten children in the Friday night fire at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, calling the incident a blatant instance of “negligence” on the part of the hospital’s administration and management.

“The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of ‘everything being fine’ and focus on the poor condition of health and medical facilities,” the SP head added, referring to the state’s BJP administration.

In addition to expressing his sympathies to the deceased’s grieving family, Akhilesh Yadav said that the state government need to grant all wounded people access to top-notch medical care and compensate the surviving children’s relatives with Rs 1 million apiece.

This comes after a fire that started late Friday night at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College killed at least ten newborns and burned numerous more.

“It is really sad and distressing to learn that ten children have died and several more have been wounded in the fire at Jhansi Medical College. “My deepest sympathies to all,” the SP leader stated in a post on X.

“A fire in the ‘oxygen concentrator’ is allegedly the cause of the fire. This is a clear example of either a subpar oxygen concentrator or medical management and administration gone wrong. Everyone involved in this situation should face consequences. “The Chief Minister should focus on the poor state of health and medical facilities instead of the election campaign and false claims that everything is fine,” he added.

“The anguish and agony can only be comprehended by the families who have lost their children. In addition to being a governmental duty, this is also a moral one. In this time of family tragedy, it is hoped that those engaged in electoral politics would conduct an honest investigation and implement significant reforms across their so-called Health and Medical Ministry,” he said.

“As for the ‘Health and Medical Minister’ of UP, there is nothing to say to him because it is because of him that the health and medical system in UP has deteriorated so much today,” Yadav remarked, while taking aim at the State Health Minister. The minister may not even be aware that he is the “Health and Medical Minister” since he is too busy making trivial remarks about narrow-communal politics. He just has a plaque with his name on it; he lacks both willpower and strength.

“All children who have been burned should get top-notch medical care from the UP BJP administration, and each family who has lost a child should receive Rs 1 crore. “We must not repeat Gorakhpur,” he said.

Three of the 10 infants who sadly perished in a fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College on Friday night would be identified by DNA testing, if necessary, according to UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday.

Several more babies were burned in the event, and seven of the dead have been identified.

“Ten newborns have died, seven have been identified, and three are still unidentified,” Dy CM Pathak told reporters. DNA testing will be done if necessary.

Because of the NICU’s very oxygenated atmosphere, the fire, which is thought to have begun as a result of an electrical short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread quickly.

54 infants were admitted to the NICU. Despite efforts to put out the fire, it spread swiftly because of the high oxygen content in the space. Numerous infants were saved. “The injured are receiving treatment, and ten have passed away,” Chief Medical Superintendent Sachin Mahor told media report.

Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, a former MP and SP leader, accused the medical college management of being careless.

Although it was disregarded, it is claimed that there was a short circuit in the afternoon as well. This tragedy may have been prevented if it had been treated seriously. Strict measures should be taken against the guilty,” he said.

The situation was described as “unfortunate” by BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha, who also praised the rescue efforts. Doctors are providing the best care possible to the wounded, and around 35 infants were saved. “The situation is being closely watched by the government,” he said.

Officials have been instructed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to speed up relief operations and make sure the relatives of the victims get all the assistance they need. He described the event as “heartbreaking” in a post on X and promised that anyone involved would face harsh consequences.

“It is really sad and upsetting that children died in an accident that happened in the NICU of the medical college in the Jhansi area. CM Yogi said that the district administration and relevant authorities have been directed to expedite the relief and rescue efforts.

To identify the cause of the fire and evaluate responsibility, authorities have started multi-level investigations. The victims’ families are waiting for answers and closure.