Alert employees save 64 newborns in Assam hospital

Guwahati, April 21 (IANS) Timely intervention by intensive care unit employees saved 64 young lives from choking to death at a hospital here Saturday.

A major tragedy was averted at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospitals (GMCH) when employees detected dense smoke coming out of the neo-natal intensive care unit around 1 a.m. and took immediate steps to ensure the safety of 64 babies admitted there, said GMCH principal K.C. Saikia.

"The incident took place due to electrical short-circuit in one of the air conditioners installed in the unit. The smoke immediately spread out to other areas of the hospital. However, our alert employees immediately shifted all the babies to another room," Saikia said.

The principal said that all the babies were safe now.

"It could have been a major tragedy, had there been a little delay. The situation is now under control," said Saikia, adding that an inquiry has been ordered to look into the matter.

-- Indo-Asian News Service

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