Davanagere hosp oxygen blast linked to outdated equipment, says DC

Davanagere: Deputy commissioner GM Gangadharaswamy on Tuesday said the recent oxygen blast at the District Hospital was not caused by negligence or dereliction of duty by any official.He said a preliminary report submitted by the district surgeon indicated that the explosion occurred due to an outdated anaesthesia machine.

While instructions had earlier been issued to replace the ageing equipment, there was no indication that it posed any immediate threat, he added.“A special team from the state has already begun investigating the incident. Following directions from former minister SS Mallikarjun, MPs and health minister UT Khader, an internal district-level inquiry committee has also been constituted,” the DC said.He added that the committee had been given three to four days to submit its findings, following which further action would be decided after examining both reports.The blast completely destroyed a key anaesthesia workstation valued at around Rs 35 lakh. Including damage to electrical wiring and related infrastructure, the total loss is estimated at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh. Officials are also examining whether the equipment and infrastructure were covered by insurance.Gangadharaswamy said the alertness and presence of mind shown by the hospital’s Group D staff helped avert a major mishap.

As soon as smoke was noticed following the incident, staff members responded swiftly and took necessary precautions.“Their timely and commendable action prevented a potentially serious disaster. The district administration and zilla panchayat will soon honour and felicitate the staff members who displayed courage during the emergency,” he added.