The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Fire safety norms flouted

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Wednesday, Jun 17, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Fire safety norms flouted

M. Srinivas

Hospitals put lives of patients at risk

– A file photo

No escape: Callous hospital managements are overlooking preparation of action plans for safety in the event of fire breaking out.

HYDERABAD: Hospitals are generally considered safe for patients. But thanks to callous managements ignoring mandatory fire safety measures, they are now virtual firetraps putting the lives of patients at great risk.

An inspection by the A.P. Fire and Emergency Services Department has revealed that some hospitals lacked sufficient open space for a fire tender to enter, especially those located in commercial complexes, while others did not have alternative exit routes to evacuate patients in case of a fire.

Most managements’ have even overlooked preparation of action plans for safety in the event of a fire breaking out.

Focus

In coordination with health officials, the Fire department had convened a meeting with 60-odd Government and private hospitals last year and discussed in detail safety measures to be adopted in hospitals.

“We also circulated a copy of guidelines highlighting safety systems to be followed at the meeting. The focus was on conducting mock drills to give training to hospital staff. But no action was taken till date,” officials pointed out.

Instances

Recent instances of fire at Fever Hospital and in a lift at the Osmania General Hospital (OGH) triggered panic among patients. At Fever Hospital, panic-struck patients scampered to safety when flames erupted last month at the height of the Bolakhpur incident.

A fire tender from Musheerabad reached the hospital after receiving a call around 4.25 a.m. and brought the flames under control.

Around 30 patients were in the ward when the incident occurred. Officials explained main fire emission sources in hospitals are when there is friction of cables joints and also when smokers casually flicking away burning cigarette butts.

OGH Superintendent V. Ashok Kumar said electrical engineers would be visiting the hospital within a few days to check wires and works would commence based on their opinion.

When contacted, District Health and Medical Officer (DMHO) Ch. Jaya Kumari said a meeting would be organised with both government and corporate hospital managements in July first week to discuss the safety measures.

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