According to documents obtained by India Today, more than 1,000 hospitals and nursing homes in Delhi are registered under the Delhi Health Department. Shockingly, only 196 of these establishments possess fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The tragic incident at a baby hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar, where several newborns lost their lives in a fire, has reignited the urgent need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations in healthcare facilities.
The heart-wrenching cries of parents who mourned the loss of their newborns in the Vivek Vihar tragedy echo hauntingly. Among them, a grieving father, shattered by the loss of his daughter, expressed his singular plea: justice. The incident has underscored the critical significance of fire NOCs and compliance with the National Building Code's fire safety standards, particularly for hospitals and nursing homes.
In Delhi, the process of obtaining fire NOCs for healthcare facilities is often ensnared in bureaucratic red tape. What do the guidelines stipulate for nursing homes and hospitals in the national capital seeking this essential clearance?
India Today's Special Investigation Team (SIT) delved into the issue by scrutinizing three nursing homes within a 2-kilometer radius of the tragic incident. The investigation uncovered alarming lapses in fire safety measures, underscoring a grave threat to innocent lives under the guise of exemptions and lax oversight.
The tightening of fire safety norms in February 2019, following a tragic hotel fire in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives, was a watershed moment. These revised regulations mandated fire clearance for multi-storey buildings exceeding 9 meters in height, placing smaller hospitals and nursing homes, especially those in residential areas, at risk of closure due to stringent fire safety requirements. Amid concerns over structural inadequacies, the Delhi Medical Association petitioned the High Court seeking relief, highlighting the precarious position faced by healthcare facilities.
Despite the heightened emphasis on fire safety, the current status of compliance remains disconcerting. As per India Today's findings, a significant number of hospitals and nursing homes continue to operate without fire NOCs, citing exemptions or loopholes. The lack of stringent enforcement mechanisms further exacerbates the issue, leaving innocent lives vulnerable to potential hazards.
During our investigation, several nursing homes, including Singh Nursing Home and Lokpriya Nursing Home, were found to be operating without fire NOCs. Shockingly, these establishments lacked essential fire safety measures such as proper exits, adequate fire extinguishers, and automated fire alarms, posing serious risks to patients and staff alike.
The absence of a robust accountability framework further compounds the problem. Despite clear violations of fire safety guidelines, there appears to be a lack of standardized procedures to hold errant establishments accountable for flouting regulations. The National Building Code of India, 2016, outlines stringent provisions for fire safety in healthcare facilities, yet the enforcement of these guidelines remains elusive.
The onus to ensure fire safety measures often falls on the establishments themselves, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and regulatory oversight. The Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Health Department, and Delhi Medical Association must collaborate to implement stringent protocols and enforce compliance with fire safety regulations.
In light of these revelations, the recent directive by the Delhi government mandating fire audits for all hospitals and nursing homes is a step in the right direction. However, mere audits alone are insufficient; concrete steps must be taken to ensure strict adherence to fire safety standards and the issuance of fire NOCs to all healthcare facilities.
As the authorities grapple with the complexities of fire safety compliance, the paramount concern remains the protection of human lives. The tragic loss of innocent lives in preventable incidents serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard public health and safety in healthcare settings.
