Jharkhand NHM orders fire safety audits in all hospitals and medical colleges
Ranchi: The Jharkhand unit of the National Health Mission (NHM) has directed all medical colleges, hospitals, and other health centres across the state to conduct fire safety audits, prepare reports, and rectify any deficiencies found within one week.
In addition, the NHM has directed all health centres across the state to observe 'Fire Safety Week' from May 4 to 10 and to conduct awareness campaigns among hospital staff regarding fire management.
On Sunday, under the 'National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health' (NPCCH), the NHM organised a state-level orientation workshop on Heatwave and Fire Safety Week. During this workshop, the NHM directed officials from all medical colleges and hospitals in the state, as well as the Civil Surgeons of all districts, to conduct immediate fire safety audits.
Speaking to TOI in this regard, NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha stated that these directives were issued to take stock of all fire safety equipment present at health centres across the state. This was done to verify whether they are up-to-date and in working condition, and to prevent any potential accidents that could jeopardise patient safety.
Jha further added, “Under the initiative, hospitals admitting patients are the focus as they are more vulnerable if any fire incident takes place, unlike any daycare centres. Jharkhand has around 50 govt hospitals. The department has buckled up to ensure the safety of hundreds of patients admitted to these hospitals”.
He also said, “Although all hospitals in the state already have conventional fire safety management equipment in place, they have been directed to procure fire-resistant blankets to extinguish the flames. Also, all hospitals have been directed to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department and to strictly adhere to electrical safety standards”.
Meanwhile, Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar stated that following a webinar held on Saturday, he has initiated a fire safety audit at the hospital. He further added, "During this audit, all electrical connections within the hospital, as well as fire-fighting equipment, will be inspected, as faulty electrical connections are often the cause of horrific fire incidents."
