Outages triggered by storms prompt Haryana to tighten safety norms in maternity units

Gurgaon: With dust storms and thunderstorms triggering frequent power disruptions across Haryana, the state health department has directed govt hospitals to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, adequate lighting and sufficient support staff in labour rooms and maternity units during night hours.The advisory was issued by National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, on Wednesday to civil surgeons across the state. It calls for stronger emergency preparedness at all 24/7 delivery points, citing concerns that power failures, poor illumination and inadequate staffing could affect maternal and newborn care.The directions come in the backdrop of an incident at a govt hospital in Faridabad on May 16, where a woman delivered her baby in torchlight around 1.40am in a park at the hospital. The incident raised concerns about emergency preparedness and the condition of govt health facilities.In a letter, the director of NHM, Haryana, Dr Virender Yadav, instructed civil surgeons to immediately implement a series of measures at district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres (CHCs) and other 24/7 delivery points. The advisory noted that operational shortcomings during night hours, including power fluctuations, inadequate lighting and insufficient deployment of support staff, could hamper emergency maternal care and compromise patient safety.Under the directions, all labour rooms, maternity operation theatres, newborn care corners and special newborn care units must have an uninterrupted power supply through functional inverter and generator backup systems. Hospitals have been asked to keep generators on auto-switch mode, conduct daily testing of backup systems and maintain adequate fuel reserves.Civil surgeons have also been directed to ensure proper lighting in corridors, ramps, staircases and passages leading to emergency and maternity care areas. Hospitals have been told to identify and eliminate dark zones that could hamper movement, while any lighting failure must be rectified within 24 hours.The advisory also calls for optimal deployment of sweeper-cum-chowkidars and security personnel during night shifts. Support staff are to be stationed near maternity wards to regulate entry, assist in patient movement and ensure the safety of the staff.“During this season, storms often lead to power outages. Maternal units should remain fully functional even during such disruptions. Support staff should also be available for immediate assistance, including shifting patients and equipment during emergencies,” Dr Yadav said.NHM has directed civil surgeons and senior medical officers to conduct surprise inspections to verify the functioning of backup power systems, lighting arrangements and staff deployment during night hours. The advisory warns that lapses in these areas could invite disciplinary action.Civil surgeons have been asked to submit an action taken report within seven days confirming compliance with the directions. The health department said the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted maternal and newborn care services, particularly during night hours.