Hospital fires could become more dangerous as summer temperatures rise, which is why the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are taking preventative precautions. Apurva Chandra, the health secretary, and Kamal Kishore, the member and head of department (HOD) at NDMA, emphasized the vital need of preventing hospital fires during the summer months in a joint advisory sent to all states and union territories (UTs).
The warning highlights the growing risk that hospital fires pose in light of rising temperatures and was sent in a joint letter to the chief secretaries of state and UT administrations. It demands that state health departments and disaster management agencies work together immediately to do comprehensive inspections of accredited hospitals and resolve any disparities found in electrical load audits.
The core directives outlined in the advisory encompass a comprehensive approach to fire safety compliance in healthcare facilities. These measures include staff training, regular fire safety drills, and diligent inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, hydrants, and alarms. The advisory also stresses the importance of annually renewing valid fire no objection certificates (NOCs) and other compliances from state fire departments, highlighting the ongoing commitment to upholding stringent safety standards.
In addition, the advice requires that any areas with oxygen tanks or piped oxygen establish stringent no-smoking policies and heat source limitations. It is recommended that hospitals assess and modernize their facilities in order to comply with the most recent fire safety regulations outlined in the National Building Code of 2016. Furthermore, before implementing thorough fire safety regulations, recalibration of electrical loads in older structures is given priority in order to reduce the risk of electrical fires.
The safety of patients and the integrity of healthcare institutions is the primary issue that is underlined throughout the advisory. To guarantee that the recommended safety precautions are strictly followed, state and UT administrations must have a strong follow-up system in place. The joint recommendation highlights the shared accountability of healthcare stakeholders in protecting people and property while acting as a proactive measure to improve hospital fire safety.
The advisory’s issuance reflects a proactive approach by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NDMA in addressing potential fire hazards in healthcare settings. By providing detailed instructions and guidelines, the advisory empowers healthcare institutions to strengthen their fire safety protocols and readiness. The collaborative efforts of state health departments, disaster management authorities, and healthcare facilities are crucial in implementing and sustaining these critical safety measures.
Prioritizing patient safety and upholding the highest standards of fire safety in healthcare settings is fundamental to the advisory’s recommendations. This calls for a multifaceted strategy that includes constant monitoring, infrastructure improvements, training, and regulatory compliance. Adhering to the advisory’s suggestions improves overall emergency planning and response skills while reducing the danger of hospital fires.
The recommendation emphasizes the value of proactive risk management and readiness by emphasizing frequent training, drills, and equipment maintenance. Healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of fire and guarantee a secure atmosphere for their patients, employees, and guests by promoting a culture of safety and responsibility. The advisory’s request for cooperation and coordination between interested parties emphasizes that upholding fire safety regulations within the healthcare industry is a shared duty.
SOURCE:
BUSINESS STANDARD
