Rise in hospital fires exposes safety lapses

Amid recurring incidents of fire, hospitals have stepped up safety audits, with some of them setting higher benchmarks.

- ANJALI SINGH

Damaged equipment after a fire broke out at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur on October 5

(PHOTO: PTI)

Hardik Ajmera, medical director, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, said: "Our hospital has a next-gen intelligent firefighting and detection system with smoke detectors, sprinklers, hydrants, and fire alarms. They are strictly maintained and regularly checked. The staff is trained in firefighting and evacuation procedures through regular mock drills in accordance with the standards of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)."

While such practices exist in leading private facilities, experts say public hospitals, often stretched and underfunded, struggle with outdated wiring, inadequate maintenance, and lax inspection.

They have warned the Jaipur incident, which took place late on Sunday, is yet another reminder that India's hospitalsafety framework remains reactive rather than preventive.