The Union Health Ministry has issued updated guidelines to strengthen fire safety and emergency response in healthcare facilities across India amid rising concerns over fire-related incidents in hospitals. The revised National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026) aim to enhance preparedness, improve patient safety and ensure coordinated response mechanisms during fire emergencies in hospitals.
A key highlight of the updated guidelines is the introduction of phased evacuation strategies particularly for critically ill and immobile patients. Hospitals have been asked to adopt specialised protocols for high-risk areas such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) and operation theatres. The ministry noted that traditional evacuation methods may not be suitable for patients on life support and therefore structured and staged evacuation plans are necessary to minimise risk during emergencies.
The guidelines mandate regular fire and electrical safety audits across all healthcare facilities both public and private. States and Union Territories have been directed to ensure strict compliance and to address any identified gaps immediately. Hospitals are also required to implement detailed safety checklists, conduct mock drills and maintain functional fire detection and suppression systems. These measures aim to improve readiness and reduce response time during fire incidents.
The government highlighted that hospitals are particularly vulnerable to fires due to high electrical loads, oxygen-rich environments and complex medical equipment. Even minor lapses can lead to severe consequences for patients and healthcare workers. The updated framework includes specific provisions for managing risks in critical zones such as oxygen storage areas and high-dependency units where fire hazards are significantly higher.
The guidelines also emphasise capacity building and training of healthcare staff. Hospitals are encouraged to conduct regular training sessions, evacuation drills and awareness programmes to ensure that medical and support staff are well-prepared to handle emergencies. As part of a broader initiative the government has also launched nationwide activities during Fire Safety Week to promote awareness and strengthen institutional preparedness across healthcare facilities.
Officials said the updated guidelines were developed after consultations with experts and are designed to provide a comprehensive framework covering risk assessment, infrastructure planning, emergency response systems and compliance mechanisms. The move reflects a shift toward a more proactive and systems-based approach to fire safety in healthcare with a focus on prevention, preparedness and patient-centric emergency management.
