Delhi’s hospital, Jhansi’s medical college… Why are the accidents not stopping even after the Health Ministry warned?

New Delhi: In the month of May 2024, 7 newborns died in a fire in a hospital in Delhi, four days ago, flames took away the lives of 10 innocent people in the Medical College of Jhansi in UP. Some of these major accidents shocked the entire country, but the cases of fire in hospitals are not stopping even after this. The important fact is that on March 23, May 29, June 6 and July 30 this year, the Union Health Ministry repeatedly wrote to the health departments of the states warning them that in all health centers (hospitals, medical colleges and other health units) Every necessary arrangement should be made to prevent fire, but negligence has been happening. The question is also why the instructions of the Ministry are not being taken seriously and does the Ministry take any strict action after this negligence?Health Ministry once again gave guidelines
Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has recently written a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all the states asking them to form a committee at the district level, which will be headed by the District Collector. This committee has been asked to conduct physical inspection of all the health facilities in the state. The committee will have officials from Health, Fire Services and PWD departments. It has also been said that wherever negligence is seen in adopting fire prevention measures, there should be no delay in taking action under the rules against that hospital or medical college.

The Health Secretary has said in his/her letter that incidents of fire are coming to light in health centers and people are also losing their lives in the accidents. In such a situation, it is necessary that every state makes a fresh plan regarding fire prevention methods and regular fire safety drills are also conducted. Training should be mandatory for all healthcare staff, there should be no compromise with fire safety protocols. Electrical load audit is very important because many times fires occur in hospitals due to inadequate electrical load.

Short circuit is also a big reason
It has also come to the notice of the Ministry that many incidents of fire occur due to short circuit. Regular checking of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers is necessary. Short circuit occurs due to carelessness. Accidents occur due to overloading of power lines due to lack of electrical maintenance and excessive use of air conditioners and other appliances. Many hospitals do not even have fire NOC. Fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, hydrants and alarms should be inspected regularly. It has been advised to ensure better coordination with local public works departments and fire departments.