165 Out of 504 Hospitals Lack Fire NOC: Nagpur fire safety audit

Nagpur: A recent audit by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) fire and emergency services department revealed that 30% of both the government and private hospitals have failed to comply with fire safety protocols.

Out of the 504 hospitals registered in the city, nearly 165 does not have the required no-objection certificate (NOC), while the remaining 339 have obtained the necessary approval, according to the audit report.

The audit also revealed that a significant number of both government and private hospitals failed to comply with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. It highlighted that over a third of hospitals are yet to meet basic requirements addressing the urgent need to install fire safety measures.

In response to the audit findings, officiating chief fire officer BP Chandankhede has warned of strict penalties, including license revocation, for hospitals that fail to comply.

Also read- TN Govt directs all hospitals to complete fire safety audits within a month

However, the situation grows even more concerning after a total of 157 hospitals—some of which possess the NOC—lack basic firefighting arrangements. Only 118 of the 339 hospitals with NOCs have completed fire audits and the remaining 241 have installed firefighting measures.

Meanwhile, a detailed analysis of fire safety compliance across different fire stations revealed that the Civil Lines fire station which covers areas such as Ramdaspeth and Dharampeth, oversees 133 hospitals. Out of these, 97 hospitals hold valid NOCs, only 9 have completed fire audits, and only 69 have installed firefighting measures.

In the Dhantoli area, known as a healthcare hub, the Cotton Market fire station oversees 69 hospitals. Out of these, 68 hospitals have obtained NOCs from the fire department. Of these, 38 hospitals have installed firefighting equipment, with all 69 hospitals having completed fire audits.

Speaking to TOI, Officiating chief fire officer BP Chandankhede said, "Fire safety is essential and cannot be ignored. Hospitals must prioritise the safety of their patients and staff. NMC will enforce compliance through stringent measures," he asserted.

In Narendra Nagar, out of 65 hospitals, 47 have NOCs, yet just two have undergone audits, and 32 with firefighting arrangements in place. Under the jurisdiction of Sakkardara fire station, out of 59 hospitals, 37 with NOCs have made better progress, with four completing audits and all 56 installing firefighting measures. However, many hospitals across areas like Ganjipeth, Kalamna, and Sugat Nagar lag behind on critical fire safety protocols.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the Tamil Nadu Health Department has directed all government hospitals to complete fire safety audits within a month following the massive fire that broke out in the administrative wing on the second floor at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram. Seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

Also read- 527 hospitals under Maharashtra scanner for fire audit