The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, March 23, 2024– As temperatures soar during the summer months, the threat of hospital fires becomes increasingly significant. In a proactive move to mitigate this risk, the Union Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have collaborated to issue a joint advisory to all States/Union Territories (UTs), emphasizing the critical importance of preventative measures.
The advisory mandates that State Health Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities work in tandem to ensure that all accredited hospitals under their jurisdiction undertake immediate actions, including:
1. Thorough Inspections: Conducting comprehensive fire safety audits and on-site inspections of all hospitals to assess compliance with fire safety standards. This includes ensuring the functionality of fire-fighting systems such as alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, and lifts.
2. Electrical Load Audits: Addressing the issue of insufficient electrical load capacity by conducting regular audits, particularly when new equipment is added or spaces are converted into intensive care units (ICUs). Any identified discrepancies must be promptly rectified.
3. Fire NOC Compliance: Ensuring hospitals strictly adhere to regulatory requirements and obtain valid Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from respective state fire departments. Special emphasis is placed on recalibrating electrical loads in older buildings constructed before the adoption of fire safety norms.
A detailed set of instructions outlining the steps to be taken by hospitals to ensure fire safety compliance has been provided to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs for dissemination among accredited hospitals.
These instructions include:
– Regular inspection and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment.
– Bi-annual electrical audits to manage power consumption safely.
– Implementation of oxygen safety protocols and installation of smoke detectors.
– Control of combustible materials and use of non-combustible alternatives.
– Adherence to the National Building Code and obtaining annual Fire Safety NOCs.
– Continuous staff training on fire prevention and emergency procedures.
States/UTs have been urged to conduct follow-up reviews to ensure the effective implementation of these critical safety measures.
The issuance of this joint advisory underscores the commitment of the Union Health Ministry and NDMA to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of healthcare facilities amidst challenging environmental conditions.
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