The Union Health Ministry has asked all states to regularly carry out fire safety drills in hospitals. This request comes after a tragic fire in an East Delhi hospital that resulted in the deaths of several infants. To ensure that such incidents don’t happen again, the Ministry is pushing for stricter adherence to fire safety rules in hospitals across the country.
On May 29, 2024, the Ministry held a meeting with representatives from states, union territories, and various healthcare organizations. The meeting included 15 representatives from state health departments and around 390 healthcare organizations. The main focus was on the importance of thorough fire safety checks and following safety protocols in all healthcare facilities.
During the meeting, the Health Ministry shared a checklist with the states to help prevent and maintain fire safety in hospitals. They have asked all health facilities to fill out this checklist and report back. The Ministry stressed the need for regular and strict evaluations of fire safety measures in hospitals.
Additionally, the Centre has advised states to work closely with the Public Works Departments (PWDs) and local fire departments. This cooperation is necessary to quickly obtain fire safety no-objection certificates, which are essential for ensuring that hospitals meet all safety standards.
By conducting regular mock-drills and maintaining high standards of fire safety, the Ministry aims to protect patients and staff from potential fire hazards in healthcare facilities. The recent incident in East Delhi has underscored the urgent need for these measures, and the Ministry is committed to making hospitals safer for everyone.
