Fire at PGI's Advanced Cardiac Centre, MC directs SFO to submit report

Chandigarh: A fire erupted at the Advanced Cardiac Centre (ACC) of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) Chandigarh on Saturday, coinciding with a surgical procedure. However, there were no casualties or injuries reported, according to officials.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the Joint Municipal Commissioner (MC) cum Chief Fire Officer has sought a detailed, comprehensive report from the Station Fire Officer (SFO) attached to the case.

The incident occurred in Operation Theatre Number Two of the ACC, where surgery was underway. Initial investigations suggest that the fire originated from a spark in the pendant socket of the operation theatre.

The MC has directed the SFO to disclose information regarding the fire incident, including the root cause of the fire and any contributing factors. Additionally, the SFO has been instructed to provide details of any actions taken by the PGI in response to the incident, specifically, the measures implemented to prevent future fires as mandated by the fire department of the MC.

The requested information includes the cause of the fire, the level of damage, possible hazards, response time and effectiveness, areas for improvement, follow-up actions from past incidents, and other relevant details. Furthermore, the MC also seeks details on how the fire affected patients, facilities, medical equipment, ongoing treatments, and overall patient care within the department.

As per a TOI news report, the MC addressing the SFO said, “Evaluate the response time from the moment the fire was reported to the intervention by the fire department and how effective was the inbuilt firefighting arrangements; were there any flaws or lapses in the fire safety measures or emergency response protocols that became apparent during this incident."

“The PGIMER authorities have already initiated necessary measures to address the situation. The engineering wing has dispatched a team of experts to assess the damage and commence the restoration work,” said the statement.

Senior functionaries from the institute’s administration immediately reached the spot to assess and expedite the restoration process, it said.

This isn't the first fire-related incident at PGI Chandigarh. In October of the preceding year, the institution witnessed similar incidents at its Advanced Eye Centre and Nehru Hospital building, prompting heightened vigilance and safety measures across the campus.

According to a recent media report in the HT, Dr Koushal said, “Initial reports suggest that the fire occurred after a short circuit, but an investigation is on to ascertain the exact reason.”

As a preventive measure, he said, glass windows were broken to prevent suffocation. 

The medical superintendent said there are four OTs on the floor and after the fire incident, two were operational. “We are working to make the third OT functional on priority,” he added.