Fire safety audit in all Delhi hospitals

Following the Bhubaneswar hospital tragedy which claimed 22 lives early this week, the government has ordered an audit of fire-safety measures in all hospitals and dispensaries to ensure that no mishap of this kind takes place in the capital.

Clearing the hospital stairs and corridors and constitution of a joint inspection team of public works, health and fire department are some of the decisions taken during the meeting.The meeting, headed by the health minister Satyendar Jain, discussed measures that hospitals need to comply with “on a war footing”, a statement issued by the government said.

“It was decided that a committee including secretary health, secretary PWD, Regional Director Health Services and other officers/departments of Delhi government will be constituted to handle the same. PWD secretary Ashwani Kumar will be the nodal officer,” the statement said.

It will be the responsibility of the committee to suggest guidelines for dispose of contaminated waste. In the meeting, it was decided that dedicated teams would inspect all hospitals within seven days to ensure that all staircases, corridors, roofs and open spaces are kept free of any encroachment.

Mr Jain said that within a month, the government would finish inspection of all hospitals for fire safety norms. The inspection would include key government hospitals such as GTB Hospital, Pant Hospital and LNJP Hospital.

He said that all efforts will be made to make Delhi’s hospitals fire-safe and that the government will set up fire-safety protocols basis the report of the committee.