The Rajasthan government has taken strict and immediate action following the fire incident at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. SMS Hospital Superintendent Dr. Sushil Bhati and Trauma Centre In-charge Dr. Anurag Dhakad have been removed from their positions with immediate effect. Additionally, Executive Engineer Mukesh Singhal, posted at SMS, has been suspended.
The government has also cancelled the contract of SK Electric Company, the agency responsible for fire safety, and has directed that an FIR be registered against it.
It is noteworthy that following the fire incident, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached the hospital at 3 AM to inspect the situation and ordered strict action. Acting on his instructions, the state government initiated removals and suspensions of the officials concerned. Dr. Mrinal Joshi has been given charge as Superintendent of SMS Hospital, while Dr. B.L. Yadav has been appointed as the new in-charge of the Trauma Centre.
Earlier in the day, Minister of Medical and Health, Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar, visited the Trauma Centre to assess the situation firsthand. Calling the incident “deeply tragic,” he expressed condolences for the six lives lost and prayed for strength for the bereaved families.
The minister directed members of the high-level inquiry committee to conduct a thorough investigation on all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report at the earliest. He also instructed hospital authorities to repair the damaged ICU urgently and ensure alternative arrangements for patients until then.
Speaking to the media, the minister said that the state government has constituted a six-member committee headed by the Commissioner of Medical Education to investigate all aspects of the incident. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible,” he stated, adding that adequate compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased soon.
Shri Khimsar further mentioned that the Department of Medical Education had already instructed the CISF in June to prepare a detailed report on fire safety and security management in SMS Hospital and its associated institutions. The report is expected soon, after which safety measures will be strengthened at SMS Hospital and other associated facilities in the first phase, followed by hospitals across the state.
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