Dangerous Negligence Exposed: Inside Jaipur's SMS Hospital Where Fire Killed Six Patients

The government has established a six-member committee to investigate the tragic fire incident at Jaipur's SMS hospital.

The Trauma Center at SMS hospital in Jaipur displays alarming signs of disrepair, with peeling plaster, a leaking roof, and extensive dampness covering the walls.

A short circuit is believed to have caused the devastating fire that claimed six lives on Sunday night, though the underlying reasons for the electrical failure remain unidentified.

During an inspection of the facility, NDTV discovered water dripping from ceilings and widespread dampness affecting walls and floors. Even the first floor showed evidence of leakage outside the neurology surgical ward, with staff placing containers to collect water dripping from the walls.

In ICU-1 ward (room 203), adjacent to where the fire originated, walls were visibly wet from water seepage.

One anonymous official informed NDTV that electrical shocks had occurred multiple times due to the persistent dampness. "This creates a hazardous environment for both patients and staff, yet our concerns remain unaddressed," the official stated.

According to sources, hospital administration had been notified about these dangerous conditions.

Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the nodal officer who has since been removed from his position by the government, had formally documented these concerns in letters to the superintendent.

On September 8 and 9, he warned the superintendent about water leaking into walls due to rooftop construction work and rainfall. His letters specifically mentioned that "electrical current is flowing through operation theatre walls and switchboards, potentially leading to accidents. This is particularly concerning as critical patients are treated in this ward, creating a vulnerable situation."

Just two days before the incident, on October 3, Dr. Dhakad sent another letter cautioning that "construction debris could damage VRV machines, ducts and electrical boards."

Earlier, on July 31, the nursing superintendent of the trauma center had requested ceiling repairs.

"I consistently kept the government informed. When there's potential for accidents, it's my responsibility to alert higher officials, which I did by writing to the state government regarding possible hazards," Dr. Dhakad stated to PTI.

Despite these repeated warnings, no timely action was taken.

In ward 206, a patient named Zaheer, who underwent leg surgery and was transferred there on August 12, told NDTV that the ceiling has been leaking in front of his bed since his admission. He mentioned that while doctors conduct daily rounds, no one has addressed the issue.

The brother of Pintu, one of the fire victims, complained that no alarms activated when the fire erupted.

NDTV's investigation revealed a complete absence of sprinkler systems on the affected floor.

The inspection team found only one firefighter and a single assistant on duty, both lacking proper equipment.

NDTV attempted to contact Chief Fire Officer Gautam Lal regarding safety protocols at the hospital, but received no response to their request for comment.