Maharashtra: Five Officials Suspended Over Amravati Hospital Fire That Killed Three Infants

The Maharashtra government has taken disciplinary action against five officials following an inquiry into the devastating fire at the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, in which three newborn babies died.

The fire broke out on August 24, 2026, inside the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the government-run hospital. The incident claimed the lives of three infants, while 36 other newborns were rescued and shifted to other hospitals.

Five officials suspended

Following the submission of a high-level inquiry report, the Maharashtra Public Health Department ordered the suspension of five officials who were held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses.

Those facing suspension include:

• Dr Sushilkumar Wakchaure, Deputy Director of Health Services, Akola Circle

• Dr Vinod Pawar, Medical Superintendent, Amravati Women’s Hospital

• Dr Arun Salunkhe, Additional District Surgeon, Amravati

• The hospital's administrative officer

• The hospital's electrician

Disciplinary proceedings have also been ordered under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, with officials and employees accused of negligence, irresponsible conduct and inadequate supervisory control facing action.

What did the inquiry find?

The investigation identified several serious shortcomings in the hospital's safety and medical infrastructure.

Among the major findings were delays in the maintenance and repair of ventilators, non-functional fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house when the blaze occurred. The committee also pointed to shortcomings in technical inspections and maintenance of medical equipment.

The findings have raised questions over whether adequate safety measures were actually operational in a unit treating critically ill newborns.

Earlier, the Amravati administration had said the hospital had undergone regular fire audits and had applied for the year's audit, while the initial investigation focused on the ventilator believed to have triggered the blaze.

Action against private companies

The state government has also initiated action against companies associated with the hospital's equipment and services.

AOV International LLP has been found prima facie responsible for lapses, and the government has directed that the company be blacklisted. The inquiry also identified prima facie deficiencies in the services of Schiller/Shillar, for which a forensic report has been ordered before further blacklisting action.

Action has also been ordered against contractual employees and officials in the Public Works Department found responsible for lapses related to the incident.

Maharashtra orders wider hospital safety measures

The Amravati tragedy has prompted the Maharashtra government to strengthen safety protocols across government hospitals.

Authorities have ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in SNCUs and NICUs, mandatory fire-safety mock drills and stricter implementation of standard operating procedures covering fire safety, electrical safety and medical-equipment maintenance.

District collectors, Zilla Parishad chief executive officers and municipal commissioners have also been instructed to ensure that electrical and fire-safety audits of hospitals are completed within three months.

The National Human Rights Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the deaths and injuries in the August 24 fire and sought a detailed report from the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, including information on the condition of injured babies and compensation announced for the victims' families.

The latest action marks a significant step in fixing accountability after a tragedy involving some of the most vulnerable patients—newborn babies requiring critical medical care.