Probe into Muzaffarpur hospital fire finds serious violations

Patna: A probe into the recent fire tragedy at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur has revealed multiple violations, including breaches of building bye-laws and excess bed capacity beyond approved limits. The district administration has already suspended the hospital’s licence, with further action likely.

Muzaffarpur district magistrate Subrat Sen told TOI that a five-member inquiry committee submitted its report on Wednesday, highlighting serious irregularities. According to Sen, the hospital’s approved building plan did not match the existing structure, with both the number of floors and beds exceeding sanctioned limits.

An FIR has already been registered in connection with the case, and the municipal corporation has been tasked with taking further action. Sen added that the district administration has intensified inspections in the area, sealing 25 healthcare establishments, including small hospitals and nursing homes around SKMCH, over similar violations.

He said that patients admitted to these facilities were shifted to govt hospitals prior to the sealing to avoid disruption in treatment. The crackdown is part of an ongoing drive to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory norms, which will continue in the coming days.

Meanwhile, action has also been initiated against a doctor accused of dereliction of duty. Dr Pankaj Kumar, a medical officer at a primary health centre, was found absent without informing his seniors and fled after the incident.

The fire broke out in the ICU of Prasad Hospital last Thursday, claiming seven lives, including two patients who later died during treatment.