Death toll in RIMS-Adilabad tragedy rises to 5

…complications after being choked by smoke emanating from a fire accident at RIMS neonatal ward, died on Tuesday night, taking the toll to five. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Adilabad DMHO Dr Porika Sadhana said Nagu Bai’s infant died at RIMS while undergoing treatment and Durgabai’s infant died while shifted to Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad for better treatment. She said 15 infants who inhaled smoke are being treated at six private hospitals in Adilabad town and their condition is stable. According to sources, government ambulances in Adilabad did not have neonatal support,…

…weeks of gestation. Their mothers had severe anaemia and other health complications, putting the babies in the extremely preterm category. Adilabad district collector Rajarshi Shah, however, told Deccan Chronicle that any decision or announcement on shifting the preterm babies to Hyderabad should come from the health department. Health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, who had rushed to Adilabad on Tuesday in a helicopter with department officials after the fire, said that he had directed officials to take a decision on shifting the preterm…

…caused by an electric short-circuit at a special newborn care unit in Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)-Adilabad late on Monday night. District Medical and Health Officer Dr P Sadhana confirmed that the five-day-old baby of Sabha Khan from Ichoda, 15-day-old baby of Sheku Bai from Indervelli and 20-day-old baby of Sabha Samreen of Utnoor died after inhaling toxic fumes released due to AC machine explosions that allegedly occurred due to overuse and poor maintenance by 12 am. While Sabha’s baby died on the spot at 12.30 am, Sheku’s baby breathed her last during treatment at 4.30 am and another baby succumbed when she was being taken to a hospital in Nizamabad after her condition…

…fatalities to three. Meanwhile, Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha, along with Health and Medical Department Secretary Dr M Christina Z Chongthu, visited the RIMS and expressed grief over the incident. He said that an inquiry had been initiated into the incident and action would be taken against those responsible . Collector Rajarshi Shah and SP Akhil also visited the institute.…