Odisha government intensifies fire safety measures in hospitals

A high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Ms. Aswathy S. at Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall has brought renewed attention to fire safety preparedness across government-run hospitals in Odisha. The review meeting covered facilities ranging from Community Health Centres (CHCs) to major Medical College and Hospital campuses.

During the meeting, Aswathy emphasized the urgent need to strengthen fire safety protocols, particularly in critical and high-risk zones such as Operation Theaters (OTs), Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), and areas with high electrical load, such as those housing CT scan and MRI machines. These areas, she noted, are particularly vulnerable to electrical hazards.

To minimize fire risks, the Secretary directed that generator units in all healthcare facilities must be connected to the electrical systems in a safe and regulated manner to prevent potential short circuits. A significant decision was made to incorporate fire safety infrastructure into the design phase of all new hospital buildings going forward, eliminating the need for retroactive structural modifications after construction is completed.

Further directives were issued to joint inspection teams comprising fire safety officers, electrical inspectors, engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department, and senior health officials. These teams are tasked with surveying all government health institutions in their respective districts, identifying lapses in fire preparedness, and submitting a comprehensive report with required remedial actions and estimated costs within 15 days.

Each district has been instructed to promptly undertake necessary corrective measures in accordance with electrical safety norms and to obtain proper fire safety certifications. It was also revealed that the state government has earmarked approximately Rs 300 crore to support fire safety enhancements across public health facilities.

Secretary Aswathy assured that districts will receive adequate financial support based on their proposed action plans and emphasized the importance of completing the work within a fixed timeline. She also stressed the need for regular fire drills in collaboration with local fire departments, periodic stakeholder meetings, and routine maintenance of electrical and firefighting systems to ensure sustained safety standards.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mission Director Dr. D. Brundha, Odisha State Medical Corporation Managing Director Dr. Pooma Tudu, Director of Medical Education and Training Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra, along with senior representatives from the Fire Services, Roads and Buildings Department, Public Health Engineering, and WATCO. Special Secretary and Director of Health Services, Sri Bijaya Kumar Mohapatra, provided a comprehensive overview of the current fire safety situation and necessary interventions during the discussion.

The state-level joint committee has been instructed to actively monitor progress on the ground through regular site visits and ensure effective implementation of the safety measures outlined.