Delay in fire audits raises safety concerns, NHM calls for review meet

Ranchi: The Jharkhand chapter of National Health Mission (NHM) is planning to review fire audit reports of all hospitals, medical colleges and other healthcare centres across the state, after missing its April deadline to complete the audit of healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety of thousands of patients being treated in the facilities across the state.

NHM on April 25, during a state-level orientation workshop on heat wave and fire safety week under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCH) directed authorities of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state and civil surgeons of 24 districts to conduct fire safety audits within a week, submit detailed reports and take corrective measures wherever required.

However, even after over a month has elapsed, the directive remained unfulfilled, raising concerns over their preparedness to handle fire emergencies.

NHM director Shashi Prakash Jha on Thursday said that while many hospitals across the state have carried out fire safety audits, the final consolidated reports are yet to be compiled. “Healthcare facilities were given a week’s deadline, but the process got delayed due to other engagements. A meeting is likely to be held on Thursday to review the progress of the fire audits,” Jha added.

He further said that under the initiative, hospitals admitting patients were emphasised as they are more vulnerable if any fire incident take place, unlike any day-care centres. “The state has around 50 govt hospitals where patients are admitted for treatment. The department geared up to ensure safety of hundreds of patients admitted in these hospitals,” he said.

The issue has regained urgency following a major fire incident reported from an intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur on Thursday. The incident has once again brought the spotlight on patient safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals across neighbouring states, including Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, Ranchi Sadar hospital deputy superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar Singh said that following NHM’s order, they conducted fire safety audit at the hospital and shortcomings were found.

“All electrical connections in the hospital were checked along with fire management equipment during the audit, as faulty electrical connections often lead to disastrous fire incidents. We also organised a fire safety mock drill among the staff,” he added.