Health Minister directs probe into SMS Medical College lab fire

In the early hours of Monday morning, a fire erupted in the microbiology lab of Sawai Man Singh Hospital. Responding to the incident, Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh visited Sawai Mansingh Medical College to inspect the situation. The minister expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the fire brigade and police in extinguishing the fire.
Following the minister’s instructions, a 5-member committee was formed to investigate the incident. The committee, appointed on Monday evening, includes officials and experts from relevant fields.
The minister instructed the committee to assess the damage, prevent future incidents, and streamline arrangements promptly. He emphasized the need for alternative arrangements to maintain testing services for patients.
During the inspection, senior microbiologist Dr. Bharti Malhotra explained that the fire originated from a short circuit in the cold storage room of the lab. The timely response from the fire brigade prevented any loss of life. However, various testing kits, CCTV cameras, and outer units of AC in the cold storage suffered damage.
The microbiology lab, known for conducting advanced tests related to TB and Covid, also performs genome sequencing of Covid.
The lab houses advanced technology machines installed in 2021, with an estimated value of Rs 7 crore. The fire caused significant damage to machines, more than 20 ACs, furniture, and other items. After the incident, all electrical equipment had to be turned off, and Covid test samples were sent to RUHS Hospital. The damaged lab is undergoing a temporary setup to resume testing activities.
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
Measures are being taken to shift testing equipment to another lab to ensure continuity in essential testing services for various viruses.
Microbiologists assured that alternative arrangements have been made, with testing kits available in other storage facilities. Investigation processes are underway in another lab within the department, and the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RUHS) also provides testing services.
The incident is not expected to impact ongoing investigations and operations, and additional testing kits will be procured soon. Civil repair works are also slated for swift completion.