Gurgaon: In response to frequent power disruptions caused by dust storms and thunderstorms across Haryana, the state health department has issued a directive mandating government hospitals to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply, adequate lighting, and sufficient support staff in labour rooms and maternity units during night hours.
NHM Advisory Issued to Civil Surgeons
The National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, released an advisory on Wednesday addressed to civil surgeons statewide. It emphasizes the need for enhanced emergency preparedness at all 24/7 delivery points, citing concerns that power failures, poor illumination, and inadequate staffing could negatively impact maternal and newborn care.
Incident at Faridabad Hospital
The directive follows an incident on May 16 at a government hospital in Faridabad, where a woman delivered her baby at approximately 1:40 am using torchlight in a hospital park. This event raised serious questions about emergency preparedness and the condition of government health facilities.
Specific Measures Ordered
In a letter, Dr. Virender Yadav, Director of NHM Haryana, 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 notes that operational shortcomings during night hours, including power fluctuations, inadequate lighting, and insufficient deployment of support staff, could hinder emergency maternal care and compromise patient safety.
Power Backup Requirements
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 are required to keep generators on auto-switch mode, conduct daily testing of backup systems, and maintain adequate fuel reserves.
Lighting and Infrastructure
Civil surgeons have been directed to ensure proper lighting in corridors, ramps, staircases, and passages leading to emergency and maternity care areas. Hospitals must identify and eliminate dark zones that could impede movement, and any lighting failure must be rectified within 24 hours.
Staff Deployment
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.
Official Statement
“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.
Compliance and Inspections
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 stated that the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted maternal and newborn care services, particularly during night hours.
