Rajasthan issues fire safety guidelines for Govt hospitals after SMS Hospital tragedy
SMS Hospital Fire Prompts Stricter Fire Guidelines in Rajasthan
Jaipur: In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur earlier this month that claimed eight lives, the Rajasthan government has issued a comprehensive set of fire safety guidelines for all government hospitals across the state.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that eight patients were killed and five remain critical after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur. In response, the Rajasthan government has ordered a probe into the incident, while relatives of the deceased patients have alleged negligence and a lack of firefighting equipment.
Also Read:8 killed, 5 critical in SMS Hospital ICU Fire
Notably, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation had handed SMS Hospital a Fire NOC just months before the devastating fire. The NOC declared the state's largest government hospital compliant on all fire safety parameters till May 2027. Yet, when a fire broke out at the hospital's Trauma Centre intensive care unit (ICU) on Oct 6, no fire alarms sounded and no sprinklers were activated, reports TOI.
The newly issued guidelines mandate the installation of battery-operated emergency lights in all ICUs to ensure sufficient illumination during evacuation in case of power failure. Each ICU must also be equipped with at least one 2kg ABC-type fire extinguisher for immediate fire suppression.
Additionally, hospitals are required to install hose reels or high-pressure water mist systems in corridors outside ICUs, ensuring adequate reach to cover the entire unit.
Also Read:Jaipur SMS Hospital Fire: Superintendent and Trauma Centre In-Charge Removed
The guidelines also mandate the installation of fire alarm control panels in the reception or security rooms of government health institutions, along with smoke or heat detectors in critical areas.
Furthermore, hospitals have been directed to conduct monthly audits to ensure compliance with the fire and electrical safety checklist issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
