The Centre has called for the formation of district-level committees, to be led by district collectors, to oversee fire safety compliance in healthcare facilities
In the wake of a devastating fire at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed the lives of ten infants, the central government has urged states and union territories to tighten fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities. The fire, believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, has exposed significant shortcomings in fire prevention and emergency response mechanisms in hospitals across the country.
The Centre has called for the formation of district-level committees, to be led by district collectors, to oversee fire safety compliance in healthcare facilities. These committees will include representatives from the health, fire services, and public works departments. Their mandate will involve inspecting hospitals and taking action against those failing to meet fire safety standards.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has written to state and union territory chief secretaries, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and updated protocols. The directives outlined include regular maintenance of electrical systems, conducting fire drills, implementing evacuation plans, and training healthcare staff in fire safety procedures. Installing smoke alarms, sprinklers, and ensuring fire extinguishers are in working condition were also identified as critical steps to mitigate risks.
Srivastava highlighted the frequent occurrence of hospital fires caused by electrical failures, which are often exacerbated by inadequate maintenance and poor monitoring. She also pointed out the absence of a centralised database for healthcare facilities, which complicates efforts to ensure compliance and oversight.
Citing Section 32 of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, Srivastava stressed the importance of enforcing this provision to penalise healthcare facilities that pose immediate risks to patient safety. “Revoking the registration of establishments that fail to prioritise safety could be an effective deterrent,” she noted.
The tragic incident in Jhansi has reignited concerns over safety measures in healthcare institutions. Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for robust fire safety protocols, particularly in critical areas like NICUs, where vulnerable patients are at heightened risk.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives, the government’s directives aim to prevent such tragedies in the future by ensuring healthcare facilities adhere to stringent safety standards. The focus now shifts to implementation, with district-level committees expected to play a pivotal role in driving compliance and safeguarding patients across the country.