Life-giver turns into death-trap - AMRI

The acronym AMRI  expands into a fascinating and impressive expression: Advanced Medicare and Research Institute. But recently it has proved to be case of much cry and little wool.

It is ironic that a place called hospital, where people go to seek freedom from pain, sickness and untimely death could become the cause of demise of the patients. The hospital AMRI caught fire and claimed 93 lives just like that. Among the dead 86 were patients of the hospital itself. What is more sickening is the fact that death was caused by asphyxiation and not by burns. The smoke filled up the hospital building and suffocated the victims.

The incident raises many questions and underscores the rot in our system and the extremes of negligence, selfishness and indifference our country is suffering from.Following facts having come to light after the incident should jolt us into pondering:

1. Fire started from basement due short circuit. And unbelievably the basement was stocked with gas cylinders and inflammable materials.Written warning was issued to the hospital in July asking the hospital administration to remove the combustibles from the basement. The temerity of the hospital deserves admiration because they treated the notice with contempt and jeer. Government department issuing the notice was satisfied with writing and posting the notice and considered their job done. No effort was made to ensure that the warning was heeded to.
2. AMRI located at outskirts of Kolkatta is no ordinary hospital. Its annual turnover is around 180 crore rupees (18 million rupees). A large amount of money has to deposited in advance before a person can be admitted for treatment. This means the hospital is financially very sound and is in position to invest in all the safety measures and preparations mandated by the law. 
3. The stake holders in the hospital come from big industry houses. Government of West Bengal also has 2% stake.Government's Director of Medical Education is chairman of the hospital's board. Two more members on the board are government's representatives. The rot is mind-boggling. It means the people who are entrusted with the duty of implementing the rules and should be role models for others have no regard for the law. They feel assured with perks and titles and are happy with tea and snacks served in board meetings.
4. It is more enraging to know tat the same hospital had also caught huge fire about 3 years ago. Yet no lessons were seemingly learnt.

We can at least try to learn something from others. In the age of globalization, even if it means shedding ego and seeking wisdom from non-Indians. There were 5 cases of major fires in hospitals in London from 2008 to 2009. Not only not a single life was lost, the damage to property was also minimal. We should try to find out as to how they deal with such disasters.

It is not sufficient to have towering, sophisticated structures and feel elated that development is in place. We also need to learn how to live in them. The advice of architects, engineers and other experts in their fields, must be sought and adhered to. The government officials giving clearances need to be strict and should not compromise the laws.

No doubt all safety measures come at a price. But then, do not we say: human life is priceless.

                             -----------Captain Yashpal Singh, New Delhi (with useful inputs: courtesy editorial of Punjabi daily www.rozanapokesman.com dated 13th December 2011)