BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh high court (MPHC) on Wednesday issued notice to principal secretary health and director health while hearing public interest litigation challenging non-availability of fire alarm in government hospitals of the state. PIL was filed in light of recent incident of fire in sick newborn care unit (SNCU) at Satna while 37 newborn children were getting treatment. A day later, one new-born died during treatment in Rewa.

Double bench comprising Chief Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Alok Aradhe sought replies from principal secretary health and director health in four weeks and scheduled the next date of hearing on July 30.

In its petition, Nagrik Upbhokta Manch said, "Had there been smoke and fire alarm at the hospital at the time of incident the casualty could have been avoided."

The petitioners demanded it should be probed whether fire and smoke alarm has been installed in hospitals or not.

