Telangana government allocates ₹11.1 crore for RIMS repairs after fatal hospital fire

Following a tragic fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad that killed five infants, the Telangana government has released ₹11.1 crore for urgent repairs and infrastructure restoration.

The allocated funds include ₹5 crore for toilet and bathroom repairs, ₹1.6 crore for pavements and compound walls, ₹1.5 crore for oxygen pipeline repairs, and ₹1 crore each for electrical works, repainting, and the renovation of the SNCU.

In response to the incident, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarsimha has ordered comprehensive fire, electrical, and structural safety audits for all government and private hospitals within 30 days. Fire and electrical audits will be conducted every six months, while structural audits will occur annually. The government is also developing a standard hospital checklist and specific safety protocols for sensitive zones such as ICUs, operation theatres, and neonatal units.

In nearby Nizamabad, authorities have also initiated reviews of safety standards at both government and private hospitals. Police and health officials met with hospital administrators to emphasize emergency preparedness, fire safety equipment functionality, and the necessity of regular mock drills to protect children and visitors.