More than two months after a tragic fire at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital that claimed the lives of three newborns and rescue of 36 others, fire safety compliance remains incomplete in 134 government hospitals across Maharashtra.
Following the fire incident in August, the state government ordered an immediate audit of fire safety, electrical systems, building safety and hospital equipment in government, private and charitable hospitals across Maharashtra. However, completing audits has not translated into full compliance. The figures expose significant gaps between identifying fire safety deficiencies and addressing them, despite the orders issued by the state government post-tragedy. Pune district presents a significant compliance gap. The department’s report states that the remaining fire certificates will be obtained after pending work is completed. The gap raises questions about the lapses and safety deficiencies at these facilities despite the completion of audits and equipment installation.
To date, as many as 59 of the state’s 527 functional public health facilities are yet to have fire safety systems installed, while 134 hospitals are yet to obtain mandatory fire safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs), according to a report shared by the state public health department. Fire safety audits have been completed in 511 of the 527 facilities, leaving 16 yet to undergo inspections, according to the report. Fire safety systems have been installed in only 468 facilities, while just 393 have secured fire NOCs. Besides, the state has also reportedly conducted 1,757 fire mock drills. All 31 public health facilities in the district have completed fire safety audits and installed fire safety systems. However, only four have obtained Fire NOCs, leaving 27 without the mandatory clearance.
A fire audit identifies shortcomings and hospitals must subsequently install the required equipment, complete pending infrastructure work and obtain clearance from the competent fire authority, said officials.
fire safety system installation has been completed in only one, leaving 17 majority of facilities operating without the systems Although fire safety audits have been completed in all 18 facilities. The district has prepared an estimate of ₹ 24.39 crore for installing fire safety systems at the district hospital and subordinate health facilities. As per the report, Beed is among the districts with substantial pending work. However, the proposal is yet to receive government approval, delaying the work.
