PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of those killed in Bhandara hospital fire

In the wake of the tragedy which claimed the lives of 10 children in a hospital fire in Bhandara district in Maharashtra, PM Narendra Modi on Monday approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic hospital fire in Bhandara. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured. 

As many as 10 children died in a fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Harsh Vardhan had expressed their condolences to the families of the children who died in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has directed an immediate inquiry into the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of children who died in the fire.

Maharashtra CM has ordered for conducting a safety and fire audit of all hospitals across the State.

Earlier, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the fire at the Bhandara hospital was due to a short circuit. "I have been told that prima facie the fire at the Bhandara hospital was a short circuit. Of the 10 children, 3 died due to fire while seven died due to smoke. Strict action will be taken against culprits," Tope said.

PM Narendra Modi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic hospital fire in Bhandara, Maharashtra. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured: PMO

— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2021