New Delhi: The Union health secretary on Monday (Nov 18) requested all the governments of all states and Union Territories (UT) to review and strengthen capacities for prevention, preparedness and mitigation against fire accidents in all health facilities.
The letter has been sent to the chief secretaries and administrative heads of the state health departments, citing previous letters issued by the ministry of health and family welfare this year in this regard. Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava urged the states to review and strengthen capacities for prevention, preparedness and mitigation against fire accidents in all health facilities. Further, a detailed checklist on ‘prevention and maintenance of fire safety that may be utilized at facility level has also been circulated to all states/UTs’.
Toll in Jhansi Medical College Fire Rises to 12
The ministry’s reminder followed on the day when the toll of infants in Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College fire incident mounted to 12. Ten infants admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital had died on Friday night, when the fire broke out, while 39 were rescued.
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“We were instructed to hold inspections considering three primary parameters. One was to see what was the main reason for the incident, what precautions can be taken in other medical colleges and to find out who is responsible for this. We held our inspection on these three parameters. We visited the site, and we recorded the statements of 16-17 people. Tomorrow, we will hold another site inspection,” said Kinjal Singh, an IAS officer, who visited the hospital on Monday. .
Guidelines to Prevent Fire in Hospitals
The Union health secretary’s letter stated that a large number of fire accidents in health facilities are attributable to electrical reasons, lack of centralized database of all health facilities and issues relating to implementation of section 32 of the clinical establishments (registration and regulation) act, 2010, which provides for cancellation of registration of health facilities, if there is imminent danger to the health and safety of patients.
“Despite substantive measures taken by some of the states to prevent and prepare against fire accidents in health facilities (both public and private), continued reporting of such accidents and loss of precious lives highlight the need to take up rigorous review and monitoring of fire prevention and safety protocols in all health facilities,” the letter said.
States/UTs Told to Review Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting System
Srivastava asked the states/UTs to take up this issue on priority and direct all health facilities to undertake their respective evaluations as per the proforma enclosed. States are also requested to prioritize the following key areas for preparedness and response planning in context of fire safety in all health facilities and review and updation of fire prevention and response plans of all health facilities and training all healthcare staff on fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and use of fire- fighting equipment.
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The state governments have been told to conduct regular preventive fire safety drills including evacuation plans, implement and ensure maintenance of appropriate fire prevention measures, such as regular and optimal preventive maintenance of electrical circuits and systems. “The government must Install and ensure optimum maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems, including smoke alarms, fire extinguishers with regular check on expiry date, sprinklers etc,” the letter said.
Centre asks states to set up district-level committees for physical inspection
The states/UTs have also been requested to constitute district level committees headed by the district collectors, comprising relevant officials from health, fire services and public works departments to undertake physical inspection of all health facilities. Such committees may also be directed to undertake suitable actions against the defaulters, as deemed necessary under the law.
