Nearly 1,800 hospitals across the state have been issued notices for fire safety violations in a recent statewide electrical safety audit conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Service
Lucknow authorities have taken swift action in response to a recent fire at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) that claimed the lives of a woman and an infant. Conducting a statewide electrical safety audit of hospitals, notices have been served to approximately 1,800 healthcare facilities across Uttar Pradesh for safety violations.
The incident on December 18 at SGPGIMS, along with previous hospital fires in Lucknow, prompted authorities to address safety concerns urgently. Despite ongoing safety drives and awareness campaigns by the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Service, a comprehensive statewide electrical safety audit of hospitals was initiated.
Avinash Chandra, the Director General of UP Fire Services, shared insights regarding actions taken against hospitals for safety violations and the department’s efforts to enhance fire safety awareness.
Chandra explained that the statewide electrical audit took place between December 20 and 27, with a follow-up round from December 30 to January 5 due to the large number of hospitals. The audit covered the 12,276 licensed hospitals in the state, along with others operating in smaller spaces without proper licensing.
Highlighting the primary cause of hospital fires, Chandra mentioned that over eighty per cent of incidents result from electrical short circuits. Winter exacerbates the issue due to increased usage of electrical appliances. Hospitals, running heavy electrical equipment 24×7, are particularly susceptible to short circuits, often leading to fires, especially when equipment has poor-quality wires.
Regarding the consequences for hospitals violating safety norms under the UP Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, Chandra emphasised strict criteria outlined in the law. Hospitals lacking proper fire safety measures risk being sealed. Initial notices are served, urging corrective measures. Failure to comply may result in severe actions, though the intention is to focus on corrective measures rather than shutting down hospitals to avoid disrupting health services.
Chandra mentioned that actions against hospitals are in progress, with notices served to approximately 1,800 hospitals. The matter is sub-judice, and the aim is to implement corrective actions without compromising healthcare services.
Addressing the committee formed to investigate the SGPGIMS fire, Chandra confirmed that their report will be submitted to the concerned department, and observations and suggestions will be implemented accordingly.
In response to the increasing incidents of fires, the UP Fire Services is proactively training firefighters to handle various operations, eliminating the need for additional personnel for minor operations. This strategic approach aims to enhance the efficiency of rescue operations.