Fire breaks out at Gauhati Medical College Hospital Orthopaedics Block

Guwahati: Panic swept through Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out in the orthopaedics block. However, no casualties were reported, as quick action by hospital personnel prevented the fire from spreading.  

The fire began around 12:30 PM, reportedly originating from an electrical panel and subsequently spreading to a paper storage area nearby.

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Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya, Principal and Chief Superintendent of GMCH, confirmed the fire was swiftly brought under control using in-house firefighting equipment before fire and emergency services were formally alerted. Speaking to TOI, he said, "We were alerted that one of the hospital blocks had caught fire. Using the equipment available on premises, our staff managed to control the blaze before notifying the fire and emergency services. Thankfully, no one was harmed. The smoke that was seen was primarily from burning paper. Given the age of these buildings, we believe a short circuit may have triggered the incident. Since the area is restricted and there is an oxygen tank nearby, we have also strictly instructed everyone not to smoke in the vicinity."

Fire and Emergency Services personnel reached the hospital shortly after receiving the alert. By the time they arrived, the situation had already been brought under control by GMCH staff. According to TOI, "The fire originated at an electrical panel board and spread to an old paper storage. Before our team reached, the fire was controlled by GMCH staff," a fire and emergency services report said.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the ageing infrastructure of the hospital, particularly the electrical systems in older buildings.

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