New Delhi: In a letter to all state and union territory chief secretaries, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava urged them to assess and improve their facilities’ ability to avoid, prepare for, and mitigate fire incidents.

“This is in continuation of this Ministry’s previous communication via 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, preparation, and mitigation against fire accidents in all health facilities,” the Union Health Secretary stated in a letter dated November 19. Additionally, all States and UTs received a comprehensive checklist on “Prevention and Maintenance of Fire Safety” that may be used at the facility level (copy provided).

Following a devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the evening of November 15, which killed at least ten newborns and injured several more with burns, this instruction was issued. At the time of the event, the NICU was treating around 54 newborns.

The letter asks all states and union territories to promptly examine and update their fire prevention plans for all healthcare institutions and to teach all healthcare personnel on fire safety procedures, evacuation techniques, and how to utilize firefighting equipment.

States and UTs have also been directed to put in place efficient fire protection measures and to regularly practice fire safety exercises that include evacuation plans. The installation and upkeep of fire detection and suppression systems, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, as well as routine maintenance and inspection of electrical systems are included in this. It is important to make sure that all equipment is routinely inspected for compliance and functionality, including expiration date verification.

A district-level committee led by District Collectors was also asked to be established by the Health Secretary to supervise fire safety inspections of medical establishments in all States and UTs. These committees, which include representatives from the public works, fire, and health agencies, may also be instructed to initiate appropriate legal action against the defaulters.