Hyderabad: In a major enforcement drive, the Telangana Fire Department has issued notices to at least 230 hospitals across the city for failing to comply with mandatory fire safety norms, especially in buildings taller than 15 metres. The action comes as part of a large-scale inspection campaign targeting healthcare institutions.
Massive Inspection Drive Across Hospitals
Authorities have inspected around 800 hospitals so far, with all 145 fire stations participating in a coordinated 10–12 day अभियान. Each station has been assigned to inspect at least one building daily, aiming to cover nearly 1,400 to 1,600 government and private hospitals across the state.
Serious Gaps in Fire Safety Preparedness
Audits conducted during the inspections have revealed alarming deficiencies in basic fire safety infrastructure. Many hospitals lack functional fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, automatic sprinklers, and properly maintained fire extinguishers.
In several cases, emergency exits were found blocked or inaccessible, while evacuation protocols and staff preparedness were either inadequate or non-existent.
High-Risk Areas Under Special Focus
Officials are placing special emphasis on critical zones such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal ICUs, operation theatres, and medical gas storage areas. Compliance with essential requirements like valid fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), operational firefighting systems, and emergency readiness is being closely monitored.
Unsafe Practices Raise Concerns
According to fire department officials, inspections have repeatedly uncovered unsafe practices, including storage of oxygen cylinders in confined basement spaces and overloaded electrical circuits—both of which significantly heighten fire risks.
Strict Action and Deadlines Issued
Hospitals found guilty of serious violations may face denial of NOC renewals and legal action under the Telangana Fire Service Act, 1999. Facilities with minor shortcomings have been given a two-week deadline to fix the issues, failing which stricter penalties will be imposed.
Recent Fire Incidents Triggered Drive
The intensified inspection drive follows recent fire incidents that raised serious concerns over hospital safety. A fire at NIMHANS Bengaluru earlier led to the destruction of over 1,000 medical records.
Additionally, a blaze at SCB Medical College Hospital caused by an electrical short circuit in an ICU claimed 12 lives, highlighting the urgent need for strict adherence to fire safety norms.
Authorities Urge Immediate Compliance
Fire officials have urged hospital administrations to treat fire safety as a top priority and ensure all systems are functional and staff are trained for emergency situations. The department has made it clear that non-compliance will not be tolerated as it directly endangers patient lives.
