States told to ensure hospitals comply with fire safety norms
Staff Quickly Contain Fire in LLR Hospital Emergency Department
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College, Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava has directed all states to review and bolster their fire prevention, preparedness, and mitigation measures across healthcare facilities.
In a letter dated November 19, the Union Health Secretary said, "This is in continuation of this Ministry's previous communication vide DO letters dated March 23; May 29; June 06; July 30 (copies enclosed), wherein State Health Departments were requested to review and strengthen capacities for prevention, preparedness and mitigation against fire accidents in all health facilities. Further, a detailed checklist on 'Prevention and Maintenance of Fire Safety' that may be utilized at facility level had also been circulated to all States/UTs (Copy enclosed)."
This directive comes in the wake of a tragic fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College on the evening of November 15, which claimed the lives of at least 10 infants and left several others with burn injuries. Around 54 infants were being treated in the NICU at the time of the incident.
In the letter, the Health Secretary has requested all states and union territories to immediately review and update their fire prevention plans for all healthcare facilities and training of all healthcare staff on fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and use of fire-fighting equipment, news agency ANI reported.
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