Fire Audit of All Civic Hospitals, says Pune Municipal Commissioner

Pune: In a move aimed at strengthening safety protocols across the city's healthcare infrastructure, newly appointed Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram on Monday directed officials to carry out comprehensive fire safety audits of all civic-run hospitals. The directive was issued on his very first day in office, underscoring his commitment to public welfare and proactive governance. 

Commissioner Ram officially took charge of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday and immediately conducted a series of department reviews to understand key challenges facing the city. 

Also Read: UP Govt directs fire safety upgrade in all hospitals

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Ram said, “The review of departments will continue for the next two days. We will fire and audit all hospitals managed by the civic body.” 

According to Pune Mirror, "Fire incidents pose a serious threat to citizens' lives, often worsened by governmental apathy and non-functional or non-existent fire safety mechanisms," Ram noted. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all municipal, government, and private healthcare facilities comply with fire safety norms. The fire audit will identify gaps and enforce necessary upgrades to safeguard public spaces.

In addition to fire safety discussions, the meeting also featured presentations on major civic projects currently underway in Pune.

Also Read: PCMC fire department issues notice to private hospitals on fire safety

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that following the tragic fire incident at a baby care centre in Delhi's Vivek Vihar where seven newborns lost their lives, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire department has issued notices to all private hospitals and clinics registered with the civic body asking them to submit information about their fire safety measures.

In the notice, the department has asked the hospitals to submit documents related to fire safety compliance and fire safety audit certificate within 10 days. After this, officials from the fire department will conduct a thorough fire safety audit before issuing a no-objection certificate (NOC). Furthermore, it has been cautioned that if a hospital does not acquire a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, its license will be withheld.