Strict action should be taken against the cafeteria operator for negligence in IGMC’s new OPD fire

Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health, Public Works and Information and Public Relations) Sanjay Awasthi rushed to the spot immediately after the incident of fire in the cafeteria of the new OPD building of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla this morning.  

In a first response of the State Government toward this negligent incident Mr Awasthi confirmed that he have went to the spot at IGMC Shimla and it is very unfortunate that a fire broke out in the building which was recently dedicated to people.CPS said that the estimated loss of property mounts to 50 to 60 lakhs due to arson however there was no loss of life. CPS informed that fire gutted the cafeteria as well as the lift.

 Sanjay Awasthi directed the hospital administration to take strict action against the cafeteria operator for negligence.  In this regard, he also instructed the MS to send the report to the government after completing the investigation within the prescribed time period.

He said that the incident of arson took place in the cafeteria operating on the top floor of the new OPD building of IGMC Shimla at around 0830hrs today due to the leakage of a gas cylinder.  He said that as the gas cylinder caught fire, a few minutes later, there was the sound of the explosion, which caused the entire cafeteria to be set ablaze.  

He said that as soon as the hospital administration received the information in this regard, they immediately contacted the fire department and evacuated the new OPD building safely after reaching the spot and evacuating the patients who had come for checkups.  

He said that the Fire Department personnel immediately reached IGMC and controlled the fire and succeeded in preventing a major accident in the new OPD building.  He said that the fire department’s work in preventing the incident of arson was commendable.  Acting promptly, he brought the fire under control.

He said that the patients should not face any problems, so all the OPDs of the new building have been shifted to the old building and kept smooth, and within two-three days this OPD would be shifted again to the new OPD building.  He said that an FIR has been registered in this regard.