Muzaffarpur/Patna: The Health Department has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to examine the role of doctors and paramedical personnel associated with Prasad Hospital, where an ICU fire claimed six lives earlier this week.
The inquiry comes amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the hospital’s compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
Four-Member Committee Constituted
Civil Surgeon Dr Sudhir Kumar has formed a committee comprising District Immunisation Officer Dr Sanjeev Kumar Pandey, Communicable Disease Officer Dr C.K. Das, Assistant Additional Chief Medical Officer Dr Naveen Kumar, and District Vector-Borne Disease Control Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours.
Scrutiny of Medical Staff Associations
Officials said the inquiry will focus on the role and responsibilities of doctors and paramedical staff linked to the hospital.
Particular attention is being given to Dr Pankaj Kumar, a medical officer posted at Bandra Primary Health Centre. Preliminary findings indicate that he had provided consent to be included in the panel of doctors at Prasad Hospital.
The department is examining relevant records and whether applicable rules and administrative procedures were followed.
Investigation Continues
The inquiry into the hospital fire is being conducted on multiple fronts. Police have already arrested three hospital employees, including a doctor, as part of the investigation.
Authorities are also reviewing the hospital’s operational practices, staffing arrangements and adherence to prescribed safety norms.
Licence Cancelled After Fire
The Muzaffarpur district administration has cancelled the licence of Prasad Hospital and issued a show-cause notice to its management following the incident.
The fire broke out in the hospital’s intensive care unit on Thursday morning. Six patients have died as a result of the incident, while several others were shifted to different healthcare facilities for treatment.
Officials said further administrative and legal action will depend on the findings of the various inquiries currently underway.
