With incidences of fire occurring frequently causing loss of lives and loss to property, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has reiterated that it is imperative that strict protocols and measures be put in place to prevent, detect and respond to fires effectively.
The Ministry particularly cited the recent fire at a neonatal hospital in New Delhi that claimed the lives of six infants while five were injured and stressed that safety and wellbeing of patients (both outpatients and inpatients), staff and visitors is of utmost importance in any healthcare facilities. It said that as temperatures escalate durimg the summer months, fire incidents become more frequent as a result of short-circuits due to sub-optimal electrical maintenance and/or overload of electricity lines due to use of Air-Conditioners and other equipment.
Given the potential risks associated with fire hazards in hospitals, establishing a robust fire safety plan and conducting fire-evacuation and safety drills will not only ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but also safeguard lives and property, MoHFW stated. The Ministry said that it had even in the past, advised to all States/UTs to conduct regular preventive fire risk assessment drills to identify potentially vulnerable areas.
The latest review meeting in this regard was held on 29 May 2024, under the co-Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (Public Health and Policy) and Director General of Health Services, Dte. GHS with all States/UTs and the meeting was attended by 15 representatives from State Health Departments and around 390 Health Care Organizations participated.
The following are the outcome of the deliberations:
- a) Need for strict compliance and rigorous periodic assessment of all health facilities concerning fire safety norms was emphasized.
- b) States/UTs and institutes advised to ensure better coordination with PWDs and local fire departments, so that fire safety NOC may be obtained in a timely manner.
- c) A checklist on ‘Prevention and Maintenance of Fire Safety’ was shared with States/UTs with the request to get the same filled by all health facilities and revert on the same.
- d) All States/UTs to ensure stricter compliance to regulatory protocols and regular mock-drills on fire safety after receiving feedback of macro-level assessments.
As the temperatures rise, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the heat. Here are some tips to help you stay cool and safe! . . #BeatTheHeat pic.twitter.com/CAZ5PXN4vN
— PIB in Nagaland (@PIBKohima) June 3, 2024
