Guwahati:
Panic gripped Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Tuesday afternoon after a fire erupted in the orthopaedics block. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as hospital staff acted swiftly to contain the blaze before it could spread further.
Fire Originated from Electrical Panel, Spread to Paper Storage
The fire reportedly began at around 12:30 PM, originating from an electrical panel, before spreading to a paper storage area nearby. Thick smoke emanating from burning paper added to the commotion, though no patients or staff were harmed.
Hospital Staff Contain Fire Before Emergency Services Arrive
Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya, Principal and Chief Superintendent of GMCH, confirmed that the fire was brought under control using the hospital’s own firefighting equipment before fire and emergency services were formally alerted.
“Our staff acted immediately upon being alerted. Using in-house equipment, they managed to control the fire. The smoke came largely from old paper. Given the proximity to an oxygen tank, we have reiterated no-smoking protocols in the area,” Dr. Baishya told TOI.
Fire Services Commend GMCH’s Prompt Response
Personnel from Fire and Emergency Services arrived shortly after receiving the alert. Their report noted that the fire was already under control by the time they reached the scene.
“The fire originated at an electrical panel and spread to an old paper storage area. GMCH staff had managed to contain the blaze before our arrival,” the report stated.
Incident Highlights Concerns Over Ageing Infrastructure
This latest incident has once again raised concerns over GMCH’s ageing infrastructure, particularly the condition of electrical systems in older buildings. The hospital administration has assured a review and reinforced safety measures to avoid future occurrences.
Recent Fire Adds to Safety Alarms at GMCH
This is the second fire-related incident reported at GMCH in recent days. A massive fire broke out in the Central Clinical Laboratory of the hospital on Monday evening. That blaze, too, was brought under control with no casualties reported.
