Tragedy strikes AMRI hospital in Kolkata It is posh 7 storied, 190 bed hospital beyond the reach of aam admi.The fire broke out about 3.30.am. and individual informed the fire brigade at about 4.10 a.m. Where were the hospital authorities? What happened to the fire alarm system ? was it in place? were safety norms continuously monitored and if not why? It is believed that 6 months back they were informed, but ignored the warning with their influence in high places The basement meant for parking was used as store for cylinders and other highly inflammable material The lane of 4 and half width was narrowed down for placing generator and the fire brigade could not negotiate the lane In the event of fire the ducts should have been shut automatically ,but there was no costly equipment in place On the completion of the hos[ital the aesthetics are a priority , rather than safety, which comes at a steep cost and can be overlooked as immaterial There were 9o patients who died inhaling poisonous flames and another 94 rescued in time It took 90 minutes for the fire brigade to arrive loosing precious time and endangering human lives in the bargain The blame game will shift the blame , but the dead will not come back to life. The Govt response is to cancel the licence, arrest the 6 people in charge of the management, start an inquiry, file FIR,, non bailable warrants, that is the procedure, which will take years to come to conclusion and longer still the punishment for the guilty. India is a country with zero tolerance for human safety , as life is expandable. Fortunately the patients are from rich back grounds and will make maximum noise that will be heard in the corridors of power It appears that there is no radiation leak from the oncology department. The Hospital has announced a payment of 5 lakhs for the dead . waived the charges for the treatment of those admitted and treatment will be provided free of costs in man made disaster It is a little consolation in the wake of colossal disaster and trauma The P.M. has announced 2 lakhs each and the west Bengal Govt will grant 3 lakhs each. The immediate monetary compensation will not raise the dead , but it is a soothing balm at the best. The response time of fire brigade of 90 minutes is bafling, specially when they were placed at the distance of about 3/.4 kms from the dite of the tragedy Will this tragedy lead to avoidance of like incidents ? Past experience shows that the temporary euphoria dies with the passage of time and business is back to normal It is hoped that the Mercurial Mamta ,the C.M will show spine and take firm action The property should be auctioned and the patients dead and injured are paid haft y compensation as retribution in damages. Nelson lopes Chinchinim
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