In the wake of the tragic fire at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, which led to the deaths of 10 newborns, the fire department in Lucknow has launched a crackdown on hospitals lacking proper fire safety measures. The investigation revealed that out of the 906 hospitals in Lucknow, only 301 have adequate fire safety systems and fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates). Alarmingly, around 66% of hospitals were found to be deficient in basic fire safety infrastructure.
As part of their efforts, the fire department has issued notices to 80 hospitals in the city, instructing them to comply with fire safety norms. Inspections of the remaining hospitals are underway, with further action to be taken depending on their adherence to safety guidelines.
A visit to two government hospitals in Lucknow by India Today highlighted several safety lapses. At Jhalkari Bai Hospital, located in Hazratganj, only 30 fire extinguishers were available, and the fire exit was obstructed by sacks and waterlogging, posing a serious risk in the event of an emergency. Moreover, the hospital did not have a designated fire safety officer. Similarly, at the Veerangana Avanti Bai Mahila Dufferin Hospital in Qaisarbagh, the fire safety equipment was either missing, damaged, or improperly maintained. Fire hose cabinets were found with clothes and papers instead of fire safety tools, and fire extinguishers were in poor condition.
The fire department's investigation follows the devastating incident in Jhansi, where a fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) led to the deaths of infants, many of whom were in incubators. The fire was reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, and crucial safety measures such as functioning alarms and updated fire extinguishers were either absent or expired.
In response to this incident, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up a four-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and examine any potential negligence or gaps in safety protocols. The committee is also tasked with recommending additional safety measures for state-run hospitals to prevent similar tragedies. The government has requested a report from the committee within seven days.
Former Chief Fire Officer Rakesh Rai emphasized the need for independent third-party audits of hospital fire safety systems to ensure transparency. He also called for the appointment of dedicated fire safety officers in hospitals, urging that fire safety be treated with the same priority as medical staffing. He further highlighted that many hospitals lack two fire exits due to space constraints and that even single exits must be free of obstructions, with clear and safe evacuation routes.Â
The ongoing inspections and the government's commitment to reviewing hospital safety standards aim to reduce the risk of future incidents and ensure the protection of patients, especially vulnerable newborns in hospital care.
