Preventing Hospital Fires in India: A Call for Systemic Reform

Context:
The alarming frequency of hospital fires in India underscores the urgent need for accountability and systemic reforms. Despite comprehensive fire safety guidelines from the National Building Code and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), lapses in compliance persist. These incidents reveal a disregard for safety protocols, poorly designed infrastructure, and governance failures.

Why Are Hospital Fires in India a Recurring Issue?

• Poor Fire Safety Measures:
  Despite extensive guidelines, many hospitals fail to comply with basic fire safety norms.
• Key Contributing Factors:
  • Poorly designed safety exits impede evacuation.
  • Electricity load mismanagement increases fire risks.
  • Improper storage of combustible materials exacerbates hazards.
  • Neglect of fire safety protocols, such as maintenance of fire alarms and sprinklers.

What Role Does Electrical Load Mismanagement Play in Hospital Fires?

• Short Circuits:
  Short circuits are the leading cause of hospital fires. Healthcare facilities often experience a 25% annual increase in electricity load after commissioning.
• Preventive Measures Needed:
  • Budgeting for buffer loads during facility planning.
  • Periodic recalibration of electrical systems, as recommended by the NDMA.

Are Hospitals Adhering to NDMA’s Fire Safety Guidelines?

• Many hospitals neglect critical safety requirements, including:
  • Installation of fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
  • Conducting mandatory periodic safety checks.
• The prioritization of cost-cutting over safety exacerbates risks.

What Role Do Municipalities Play in Fire Safety?

• Weakened Governance:
  Municipal bodies, responsible for fire safety inspections, often fail to enforce regulations.
• Key Issues:
  • Inspections are infrequent, occurring once every few years.
  • Unauthorized structures are regularized, compromising safety standards.

What Did the Justice D A Mehta Committee Reveal?

• Investigation Findings:
  The committee probed fires in two Gujarat hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded that:
  • Fatalities were avoidable if illegal structures had not been regularized.
  • Policies on unauthorized construction in healthcare facilities require a serious reevaluation.

What Needs to Change to Prevent Hospital Fires?

1. Strict Enforcement of NDMA Guidelines:
   • Regular recalibration of electrical loads.
   • Mandatory installation and maintenance of fire safety systems.
2. Strengthening Municipal Governance:
   • Conduct frequent inspections with accountability for lapses.
   • Cease the regularization of unauthorized structures in healthcare facilities.
3. Ensuring Accountability:
   • Stricter penalties for hospital authorities and owners found negligent.
   • Legal and financial consequences for failure to meet safety standards.

Conclusion:
Preventing hospital fires requires a multi-pronged approach involving stricter enforcement of fire safety norms, enhanced municipal oversight, and accountability for negligence. By prioritizing safety over cost-cutting and unauthorized construction, India can safeguard lives and ensure its healthcare infrastructure is resilient and secure.