Accountability for Hospital Fires in India

Source: The post Accountability for Hospital Fires in India has been created, based on the article “Where is accountability for India’s hospital fires?” published in “India express” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Polity and governance

Context: The article delves into the alarming prevalence of hospital fires in India, emphasizing the dire need for accountability and systemic reform to prevent such tragedies. Despite comprehensive fire safety guidelines provided by the National Building Code and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), hospital fires continue to occur with disturbing regularity, claiming lives and exposing lapses in compliance with safety norms. This also highlights recurrent issues such as poorly designed safety exits, lack of electricity load audits, improper storage of combustible materials, and disregard for fire safety protocols.

Why are hospital fires in India a recurring issue?

Hospital fires are frequent due to poor fire safety measures, despite extensive guidelines from the National Building Code and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Major contributing factors include: Poorly designed safety exits, Neglect of electricity load audits., Improper use of oxygen and Failure to adhere to storage protocols for combustible materials.

What role does electrical load mismanagement play in hospital fires?

Short circuits are the primary cause of most hospital fires. Studies show healthcare facilities experience a 25% annual increase in electricity load post-commissioning.

This highlights the need for: Budgeting for buffer loads during facility planning and periodic recalibration of electrical systems, as recommended by the NDMA.

Are hospitals adhering to NDMA’s fire safety guidelines?

Many hospitals fail to Install fire alarms and sprinklers and conduct mandatory periodic safety checks, prioritizing cost-cutting over safety.

What role do municipalities play in fire safety?

Municipal bodies are responsible for fire safety inspections, but their governance has weakened over time. Issues include:

Infrequent inspections, often occurring once every few years.

Regularization of unauthorized structures, which compromises safety.

What did the Justice D A Mehta committee conclude about governance failures?

The committee investigated fires in two Gujarat hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded that fatalities could have been avoided if illegal structures weren’t regularized and a serious reevaluation of policies on unauthorized construction in healthcare facilities is necessary.

What needs to change to prevent hospital fires?

1. Strict enforcement of NDMA guidelines, including recalibration of electrical loads and installation of safety systems.
2. Strengthening municipal governance for regular inspections and accountability.
3. Ceasing the regularization of unauthorized structures in healthcare facilities.
4. Ensuring accountability for negligence, with stricter penalties for hospital authorities and owners.