Why in news
A fire broke out in City Hospital due to a short circuit, Dindigul, causing smoke to spread throughout the building.
Six people, including a child and two women, died in a lift after being trapped for over 30 minutes due to smoke and sealed escape routes.
Similar incidents have occurred in other hospitals recently, such as the tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, and New Born Baby Care Hospital, East Delhi.
Ensuring Hospital Safety
These incidents highlight the poor maintenance and lack of safety protocols in hospitals across India.
Despite the recurring tragedies, there is little attention paid to fireproofing hospitals or ensuring they meet safety standards.
Government fire safety regulations are often ignored or poorly implemented in healthcare facilities
Hospitals must prioritize fire safety, including proper maintenance, fire-proofing, and emergency response readiness.
Governments should enforce strict adherence to fire safety regulations and ensure periodic checks are genuinely effective.
Hospitals should be known for their healing capabilities, not for becoming deadly fire traps.
Proper infrastructure and safety measures are essential to protect vulnerable patients.
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