The Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM) is planning to review fire audit reports of all hospitals, medical colleges, and other healthcare centers across the state. This comes after the mission missed its April deadline to complete the audit of healthcare facilities, raising concerns about the safety of thousands of patients being treated in these facilities.
Directive Issued in April
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), NHM directed authorities of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state, along with civil surgeons of 24 districts, to conduct fire safety audits within a week. They were required to submit detailed reports and take corrective measures wherever needed.
However, even after more than a month has passed, the directive remains unfulfilled. This delay has raised concerns about the preparedness of healthcare facilities to handle fire emergencies.
NHM Director's Remarks
NHM director Shashi Prakash Jha stated on Thursday that while many hospitals 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 explained that under the initiative, hospitals admitting patients were emphasized as they are more vulnerable in case of a fire incident, unlike day-care centers. “The state has around 50 government hospitals where patients are admitted for treatment. The department geared up to ensure safety of hundreds of patients admitted in these hospitals,” he said.
Renewed Urgency After Bihar Fire
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 neighboring states, including Jharkhand.
Local Hospital Response
Ranchi Sadar hospital deputy superintendent Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh said that following NHM’s order, they conducted a fire safety audit at the hospital and identified shortcomings. “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 organized a fire safety mock drill among the staff,” he added.
