The emphasis on fire safety comes after a significant fire incident at Lokbandhu Rajnarayan Combined Hospital in April, which led to the evacuation of approximately 200 patients
In the wake of recent fire safety concerns, Lucknow’s divisional commissioner, Roshan Jacob, has mandated that all hospitals in the city adhere strictly to fire and electrical safety protocols. This directive, issued during a health infrastructure review meeting, requires hospitals to conduct regular fire safety drills, maintain operational fire safety systems, possess valid safety certificates, and ensure alternative emergency exits are available. Hospital staff are also to receive fire safety training, with routine electrical safety checks becoming mandatory.
The emphasis on fire safety comes after a significant fire incident at Lokbandhu Rajnarayan Combined Hospital in April, which led to the evacuation of approximately 200 patients. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a cluttered storage area, possibly due to a discarded cigarette, though an electrical short-circuit has not been ruled out.
Beyond fire safety, the commissioner highlighted the necessity for hospitals to have full-time doctors available, operational night outpatient departments (OPDs), maternity services, and functional Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has been tasked with conducting regular inspections of these centres.
Efforts are also underway to issue identity cards to senior citizens over 70 years of age, addressing the low issuance rate observed so far. Additionally, under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative, the monthly distribution of iron syrup to pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children has been reinforced.
Further directives include ensuring adequate hospital staffing, full utilization of health ATMs, ongoing monitoring of diagnostic services, and the organization of screening camps and vaccination drives in villages.
These measures are part of a broader initiative to enhance patient safety and healthcare quality across the region.
