As temperatures rise in summer, the risk of hospital fires also escalates, posing a serious threat to public safety. To prevent such incidents, the Union Health Ministry and NDMA has issued a joint advisory to States/UTs seeking thorough hospital inspections, addressing electrical load capacity, and obtaining fire no objection certificates (NOCs).
The advisory comes in the wake of various incidents of fire mishaps reported from hospitals across the States where patients had to be evacuated even as some of them succumbed to the burn injuries.
For instance early this year, a fire broke out at Dr Ambedkar Hospital in the Vikroli East area.
However, no casualties or injuries were reported in the fire.
“Hospitals are urged to maintain functional fire-fighting systems, conduct regular electrical audits, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Follow-up reviews are emphasized to ensure implementation.
State health departments and disaster management authorities have been mandated to conduct thorough fire safety audits and on-site inspections of all accredited hospitals. The focus is on assessing the compliance of fire-fighting systems, including fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, and lifts, ensuring they are operational and meet regulatory standards, said the advisory.
“Hospitals are instructed to address the critical issue of inadequate electrical load capacity. Regular electrical load audits are emphasized, especially when new equipment is added or spaces are converted into intensive care units (ICUs). Any identified discrepancies must be promptly rectified to mitigate risks,” it further reminded the authorities.
Also, hospitals are urged to strictly adhere to regulatory requirements and obtain valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from their respective state fire departments. This includes prioritizing the re-calibration of electrical loads in older buildings constructed before the adoption of stringent fire safety norms.
Overall, the advisory underscores the imperative of proactive measures and close collaboration between healthcare institutions and relevant authorities to safeguard against hospital fires and ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
