Nagpur audit flags 94 Hospitals sans building approval, 121 without fire NOC

Nagpur: A fire-safety audit of hospitals across Nagpur has revealed significant gaps, with 94 hospitals reportedly operating from buildings that lacked approval for hospital use and 121 were functioning without a mandatory Fire Department No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The assessment was conducted following the Amravati hospital fire that killed three newborns. It covered 484 hospitals across the city, including 93 facilities that were still under construction. 

Of the hospitals assessed, 366 had obtained fire NOCs, while 121 were found operating without the required clearance. The fire department has initiated action under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act against 265 hospitals, with three facilities shut down during the enforcement drive.

Fire Safety Gaps Found in Hospitals 

The assessment also found that having fire-safety systems in place did not always mean that they met the required standards.

According to TOI, while 327 hospitals were found to be compliant with fire-safety requirements, another 33 had safety arrangements that were present but inadequate. Officials identified several deficiencies, including insufficient firefighting water tank capacity and emergency staircases that were narrower than the prescribed standards.

94 Hospitals Referred for Building Violations

The finding that 94 hospitals were operating from buildings without sanctioned hospital use has expanded the issue beyond fire safety.

The fire department has written to the concerned Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) zone offices and town planning authorities, asking them to take appropriate action against the establishments. The development could lead to further scrutiny of whether hospitals are operating from premises that have been legally approved for healthcare activities.

Fire Safety Crucial in Hospitals

The findings have gained significance after the Amravati fire, as hospital emergencies can be particularly dangerous because many patients may not be able to evacuate without assistance. Patients dependent on oxygen, ventilators or other life-support equipment may face additional risks during a fire or other emergency.

Under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, fire authorities can inspect buildings, identify shortcomings in fire-fighting and life-safety arrangements and direct owners or occupiers to correct them.

According to the Times of India, the Nagpur assessment also highlights that possession of a fire NOC does not necessarily mean all safety requirements are complied with. Fire officials said hospitals with inadequate arrangements would have to rectify the deficiencies as per prescribed norms.