India, July 13 -- A newly constructed paediatric ward at the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Phase 6, Mohali, built at a cost of nearly Rs.2 crore, has been shut barely five months after becoming operational as it failed to secure mandatory fire safety clearance. In the fourth-floor facility of the mother and child block, the process of removing beds and other equipment from the ward has already begun.

Hospital authorities clarified that no patients have been admitted to the ward since May 2026. The ward will remain closed until the fire department issues the no objection certificate (NOC).

Officials familiar with the project said several critical shortcomings were overlooked during the construction. The fourth floor...