The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced that Nationwide Fire Safety Week 2026 will be observed from May 4 to May 10.
In a communication to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted that this year’s campaign will prioritise improving fire prevention and safety standards in healthcare institutions across the country.
The theme for this year is “Safe School, Safe Hospital and Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention.” The initiative aims to raise awareness, enhance compliance with safety norms, and encourage a culture of preparedness among healthcare professionals, students, and the wider community.
To support implementation, the Ministry has released key resources, including a day-wise activity schedule, an updated Fire Safety Assessment Checklist, and a Fire Safety Pledge to promote shared responsibility. These materials are accessible online for both public and private healthcare facilities.
The Ministry underlined that fire incidents pose significant risks to life and infrastructure, particularly in hospitals where uninterrupted care is critical. With rising temperatures during the summer season, authorities have called for heightened vigilance and strict adherence to fire safety protocols.
Healthcare institutions have been directed to carry out safety audits using the revised checklist and submit their reports through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme portal. Any deficiencies identified during these assessments must be addressed without delay.
The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with a special focus on district hospitals, medical college-linked facilities, and multi-speciality institutions.
