In response to recent fire incidents in both government and private hospitals, the Odisha government has issued a directive to complete fire safety audits in all government-run healthcare facilities within 15 days. The order was given by Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswasthy S during a meeting held on May 6, according to a health department official.
The directive was addressed to fire service officers, electrical inspectors, engineers from the roads and buildings department, and chief medical and public health officers. Secretary Aswasthy instructed them to focus first on high-risk areas such as operation theatres (OTs), intensive care units (ICUs), special newborn care units (SNCUs), and facilities housing high-power equipment like CT scan and MRI machines, which are more susceptible to electrical hazards.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that generator systems are safely and properly connected to building electrical systems to prevent short circuits.
It was also decided that fire safety features must be integrated at the planning stage of hospital construction, eliminating the need for structural changes after buildings are completed.
Joint teams comprising fire officers, electrical inspectors, engineers, and medical officials were directed to carry out on-site inspections, identify deficiencies in fire safety infrastructure, and submit comprehensive reports detailing required corrective actions along with cost estimates within the 15-day time frame.
District administrations have been instructed to implement the necessary changes to meet the standards required for obtaining fire and electrical safety certifications. The state has allocated around ₹300 crore for fire safety improvements in government healthcare facilities.
Secretary Aswasthy assured districts that adequate funding would be provided based on their submitted plans and emphasized the importance of completing the upgrades promptly. She also directed that regular mock fire drills be conducted in collaboration with local fire departments, periodic stakeholder review meetings be held, and routine maintenance of fire and electrical safety equipment be ensured. A state-level joint team will monitor the progress through field visits.
Love this post! Especially the part about staying consistent—so true.