Delhi government to conduct Fire safety audit at all hospitals

At least 21 persons died and more than 100 others were injured in a blaze that broke out at the SUM Hospital and Medical College on Monday evening.

The hospital in the Odisha capital was functioning without any fire safety clearance.

"We reviewed the fire safety procedures at various Delhi government hospitals. Director of Delhi Fire Service and other senior officials were present. We were told that most of them are fine. But, we decided that a fresh inspection be done. A copy of the report would be sent to me," Jain said.

"It was decided that a committee including Secretary Health, Secretary PWD, Regional Director Health Services and other officers/departments of Delhi government will be constituted to handle the same. PWD Secretary Ashwani Kumar will be the nodal officer for this exercise," Jain said.

It will be the responsibility of the committee to suggest guidelines for disposing contaminated waste.

During the meeting, it was also decided that dedicated teams would inspect all hospitals within seven days to ensure that all staircases, corridors, roofs and open spaces are kept free of any encroachment.

The minister said all efforts will be made to make Delhi hospitals fire-safe and that the government will set up fire-safety protocols on the basis of the report of the committee.

"Within a month the government would finish inspection of all hospitals. The inspection would include key government hospitals such as GTB Hospital, G B Pant Hospital and LNJP Hospital," he said.

The Health Minister said deficiencies in the hospitals would be checked and listed.

"The team has also been directed to visit private hospitals so that all arrangements can be made in case of any deficiency," he added.