THE extremely sad news of seven newborn casualties was saddening for every reader. Reportedly fire broke out due to some short-circuit and engulfed the entire nursery section.

As reported, the chief minister has as usual formed a committee to probe. However, the deadline for reporting back has not been defined in his statement.

The fire is a wake-up call for everyone. Sadly the staff reportedly ran away. It was the parents of those babies who tried to endanger their own lives to save their newborn babies.

Why were the fire extinguishers not used to put off the fire immediately? Perhaps, there were no extinguishers available; maybe they had expired, or, perhaps, the necessity to have those fire extinguishers was never felt? Why were the injured or burned babies shifted to the emergency ward where there was no arrangement for neonatal care?

I fully support that an FIR of the incident should be lodged against the MS of the Services Hospital and a case be filed against them and against all those responsible in the management for this gross negligence which clearly depicts that these seven newborns died due to the sole reason of their mistake.

Someone sitting on the helm of affairs should take responsibility for these deaths and extraordinary care should be observed to treat the injured who are also in a serious condition.

SADAQAT KHAN Karachi