Awareness campaigns like those run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) can help spread knowledge about fire prevention and emergency response. Providing incentives like subsidies or grants to hospitals that comply with fire safety standards can promote better implementation. The tragic hospital fire in Jhansi is a stark reminder of the ongoing lapses in fire safety enforcement in public institutions. Adopting best practices followed in countries like Japan, which has one of the lowest rates of fire deaths, can be a guiding light. The government should focus on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing regulation, and improving training programs to create safer public spaces.
The tragic fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed the lives of 11 newborns, highlights the failure of fire safety measures in India’s public institutions. Despite the National Building Code (NBC) and Fire Safety and Prevention Rules, many hospitals do not comply with these regulations. This highlights the urgent need for better fire safety enforcement and significant upgradation of infrastructure to prevent future loss of lives. Challenges in ensuring fire safety in public institutions Fire safety implementation is flawed. Corruption and lack of proper monitoring in obtaining fire no objection certificates (NOCs) cause many hospitals to fail to comply with prescribed fire safety rules. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), many hospitals bypass regulatory checks, resulting in unsafe structures that do not meet fire safety standards.
Inadequate infrastructure and planning: Improper planning and poor construction often result in fire hazards in public institutions, especially hospitals. The Kolkata AMRI Hospital fire incident (2011) exposed serious flaws in structural planning, such as blocked escape routes and inadequate fire exits, which contributed to a large number of deaths. Lack of awareness and training, such as medical staff and fire safety personnel, are often not adequately trained in fire prevention, emergency evacuation, or firefighting techniques. A fire at a COVID-19 facility in Mumbai (2020) revealed a lack of preparedness, with hospital staff unable to handle fire emergencies due to inadequate training and awareness. Many hospitals, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, lack the financial resources to upgrade fire safety infrastructure or purchase adequate firefighting equipment. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report recorded over 7,500 fire accidents in 2022, resulting in 7,435 deaths, reflecting the dire consequences of poor enforcement.
Many hospitals lack dedicated evacuation routes, fire retardant materials, and other necessary infrastructure to guard against fire hazards. The Uphaar Cinema fire (1997), which killed 59 people, was aggravated by inadequate exit points, highlighting the need for robust evacuation planning as prescribed by the NBC and NDMA guidelines. Variations in the implementation of fire safety standards across different states and union territories in India create regional disparities. Measures to address these challenges are to strengthen monitoring and regulation. Ensuring robust monitoring of fire safety norms and making fire safety audits mandatory for all hospitals can improve compliance. The NDMA guidelines for fire safety in public institutions should be enforced more stringently, with regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance. Hospitals should invest in modern fire safety infrastructure, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems.
The fire safety measures at AIIMS, Delhi, which include advanced fire detection and suppression systems, can serve as a model for other hospitals. Regular fire safety drills and comprehensive training programs for hospital staff on emergency procedures are essential. Fire safety training programs such as those initiated by the NDRF can be replicated in all hospitals to ensure staff readiness during a crisis. Governments and hospital authorities should allocate more funds for fire safety infrastructure and regular maintenance. The National Health Mission (NHM) can include fire safety as a mandatory part of its funding proposals for new hospital projects, especially in underserved areas. Increasing public awareness about fire safety in hospitals and public institutions can lead to better vigilance and adherence to safety standards.
Awareness campaigns like those run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) can help spread knowledge about fire prevention and emergency response. Providing incentives like subsidies or grants to hospitals that comply with fire safety standards can promote better implementation. The tragic hospital fire in Jhansi is a stark reminder of the ongoing lapses in fire safety enforcement in public institutions. Adopting best practices followed in countries like Japan, which has one of the lowest rates of fire deaths, can be a guiding light. The government should focus on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing regulation, and improving training programs to create safer public spaces.
