Noida: In an effort to strengthen fire safety and disaster preparedness, hospitals in Noida have been instructed to appoint a dedicated emergency in-charge. This directive comes amid growing safety concerns following the tragic nightclub fire in Goa and recent incidents in local healthcare facilities.
Safety Lapses Exposed in Inspections
Inspections by the Noida Fire Department over the past year revealed serious safety lapses in several hospitals with more than five beds. Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Chaubey highlighted issues such as blocked or chained emergency staircases, materials stored near exits, and non-functional firefighting equipment, all of which could hamper evacuation during emergencies. Electrical audits were also stressed, as short circuits account for 80% of fire incidents in buildings.
Role of the Emergency In-Charge
Under the new guideline, the appointed emergency in-charge will oversee the installation and maintenance of essential safety infrastructure. Responsibilities include ensuring functional fire extinguishers, CCTV surveillance, unobstructed emergency exits, safe oxygen storage, public-address systems, stretchers, wheelchairs, and facilities for persons with disabilities.
Ensuring Preparedness and Evacuation Readiness
The emergency in-charge will also be responsible for maintaining uninterrupted power supply, clearly marked evacuation routes, and proper crowd management. Hospitals must conduct regular drills, train staff in disaster response, and maintain up-to-date protocols to handle emergencies efficiently.
Follow-Up Inspections and Compliance
Authorities have emphasized that follow-up inspections will be conducted. Hospitals failing to comply with safety standards could face licence suspension or sealing until all measures are implemented, ensuring that patient and staff safety is not compromised.
Recent Incidents Highlight Risks
The need for strict fire safety measures gained urgency after an oxygen pipeline exploded twice within 15 hours at Mark Hospital in Sector 66, Noida, last month. Eight ICU patients were safely evacuated, and no casualties were reported. Officials noted that the blasts were reportedly caused by a short circuit near the ICU.
Preventive Measures Essential to Avoid Tragedies
These new directives aim to prevent potential disasters in hospitals, where vulnerable patients are at heightened risk. Authorities stress that proactive safety measures, proper staff training, and robust disaster response protocols are critical to safeguarding lives.
Authorities Reinforce Zero Tolerance on Safety Violations
Senior officials have underscored that patient and staff safety cannot be compromised. Non-compliance with fire safety norms will be treated strictly, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward lapses in hospital safety standards.
