The Minsiter of Health Saurabh Bharadwaj has been getting many media queries from journalists asking about the recent update regarding the fire incident received from the Department of Health. The Minister informed that directions of enquiry have been given to the CS Mr Naresh Kumar and Secretary(Health) Mr Deepak Kumar. The physical note carrying the directions were sent to the residence of Secretary(Health), but no one opened the door of his residence.However , the directions have been communicated via official email as well.
This unfortunate fire incident happened on the night of 25 May 2024 in Baby Care Centre at Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Though, this incident had occurred around 11:30 pm on 25.5.2024, the Secretary(Health) or anyone from Health Department did not inform the concerned Minister. Even on the next morning , the Health Minister got to know about this incident through a media flash in the morning of 26.5.2024 ie today. Though, Minister Health tried calling the Secretary(Health) Mr Deepak Kunar multiple times on his phone and left him many wattsapp messages but he did not respond to the any of calls or messages. Therefore, the Minister Health decided to visit the incident spot alone in the morning.
As Minsiter of Health Saurabh Bharadwaj was not able to communicate with Secretary(Health) who heads the Department of Health, he sent this urgent note with a copy to Cheif Secretary so that quick enquiry can be launched in this matter and other actions are expedited as well. They have been directed to ensure the following
- Speedy Enquiry in to this incident.
- Names and designations of officers or private people responsible for this negligence
- Ensure free treatment of rescued children in best private hospitals.( under Farishtey scheme)
- Expedite the Compensation to the families of deceased and injured.
- Expedite the arrests of those who were running this Centre. Till 8:30 pm tonight ,the Minsiter of Health has not received any response or update from Secretary (Health) or any of his subordinate officers of Department of Health. The Minister has not received any call or message from Secretary (Health). Though, directions have been also given via email, but even the email has not been acknowledged.
In cases of such emergency, where lives of many new born babies were at stake, this negligence is unpardonable. In any other state of India, this would have invited strong disciplinary proceedings against the officers concerned.
After a long legal battle of eight years, the Supreme Court of India had decided that no state government can function without control over the officers and had decided the matter in favour of the Elected Government of Delhi. However, the Central Government has overturned that judgement of Supreme Court and control over all the officers lies with the Central Government via LG. It is unfortunate that officers like Mr Deepak kumar are constantly being patronised by the Central Government. We will wait to see if even this behaviour of Secretary(Health) will receive encouragement from Central Govt.
