Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Orders No Lime Sprinkling or Flower Offerings on His Arrival After Jhansi Fire Incident

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has taken a significant step in curbing the state’s ongoing VIP culture. During official visits, the Deputy CM has ordered an end to the tradition of special welcomes, such as the sprinkling of lime or laying carpets. This order comes after the tragic fire at the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, which claimed the lives of several children.

The incident, which occurred on the night of November 16, raised serious concerns about safety protocols at the hospital. The tragic fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the medical college between 10:30 pm and 10:45 pm. A total of 10 children lost their lives in this horrific incident, while two others succumbed to their injuries later. The fire ignited panic, and the situation required immediate attention.

When the fire news reached Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he promptly dispatched Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak to Jhansi to oversee the response. Pathak and the Principal Secretary of the Health Department arrived at the site to investigate the incident and address the aftermath. However, before they could reach the hospital, a video surfaced on social media showing lime poured on the road leading to the medical college at around 3 am. This bizarre act, which is part of the welcome protocol for VIPs, sparked outrage and drew criticism for its insensitivity, especially given the severity of the fire and the tragic loss of life.

In response, Deputy CM Pathak immediately ordered an inquiry into the incident. He instructed the District Magistrate of Jhansi to look into the matter and take appropriate action. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that marking roads with lime and laying carpets was still prevalent in the state, even after a major disaster. Pathak, who has advocated for administrative reforms, saw this as an opportunity to address the deeper issue of VIP culture and the misallocation of resources.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak clarified that such practices would no longer be tolerated in a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary of the Medical, Health, and Family Welfare Department. The Deputy CM stated that it has become customary for roads to be marked with lime or carpets to be laid during official visits to hospitals and medical institutions across the state. Additionally, garlanding VIPs and presenting them with flower bouquets was another outdated tradition that added to the wasteful expenditure. Pathak emphasized that such practices were a drain on resources and diverted attention away from the primary objective – the welfare of patients and the proper functioning of healthcare facilities.

In his directive, the Deputy CM ordered that all hospitals and medical institutions in the state discontinue these unnecessary welcome rituals. Instead, he instructed that the focus should be on cleanliness and the maintenance of the hospitals. Pathak stressed that the priority should be improving healthcare quality, addressing patient needs, and ensuring proper facilities for staff and patients. The order called for immediate attention to the cleanliness and upkeep of medical institutions rather than wasting time and resources on ceremonial practices.

Furthermore, Deputy CM Pathak directed the Principal Secretary of the Health Department to issue formal instructions to all hospitals and healthcare institutions in Uttar Pradesh. These guidelines would clarify that such lavish welcomes would no longer be tolerated and that a more pragmatic and patient-centric approach would be adopted.

The incident in Jhansi has now brought attention to the state’s healthcare system and the need for reform. The fire in the NICU ward exposed the system’s vulnerabilities. It raised questions about the safety measures to protect vulnerable patients, especially newborns.

The horrific accident underscored the importance of addressing safety concerns and improving the state’s overall quality of medical services. Pathak’s decision to end the tradition of VIP welcomes reflects a desire to refocus resources and attention on what truly matters – the well-being of patients and the efficiency of healthcare institutions.

In addition to the ongoing investigation into the fire, the state government has promised to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents. These include conducting thorough safety audits of medical facilities, ensuring compliance with fire safety norms, and addressing infrastructural gaps that may have contributed to the disaster. Pathak has assured the public that the government will work tirelessly to improve the healthcare system and support families affected by the tragedy.

While the tragic fire in Jhansi remains a public concern, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak’s decision to eliminate VIP culture significantly moves toward a more efficient and patient-focused healthcare system. By putting an end to wasteful practices and refocusing efforts on hospital maintenance and patient care, Pathak aims to create a more accountable and service-oriented approach to governance in Uttar Pradesh. The reform is expected to send a strong message that the state government is committed to prioritizing the needs of the people over unnecessary displays of grandeur.

This move also aligns with the broader objective of eliminating the pervasive VIP culture in various governance sectors. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the fire in Jhansi, the focus will now shift to ensuring that no such incidents occur in the future and that the resources meant for public welfare are utilized effectively.

See Also: Why Were 42 Children Sacrificed in Mexico? Research Suggests Aztecs Offered Them to This God