Delhi, Rajkot tragedies ring alarm bells on Lucknow hospitals
LUCKNOW Even because the Delhi and Rajkot fireplace tragedies prompted security audits and checks at Lucknow hospitals and different public locations, nobody has been held chargeable for the blaze on the SGPGI in December 2023, which claimed lives of two sufferers. A collection of fireside security measures had been introduced on the institute with the director asserting an inquiry, however just a few months on, the probe report stays shrouded in secrecy.
A hearth at SGPGI had claimed two lives in December 2023. (File Picture)
Officers haven’t disclosed findings from the seven-member authorities probe, sparking issues over transparency and accountability. The report, submitted to the state authorities, lacks important particulars on the reason for fireplace and preventive measures, leaving unanswered questions on potential workers negligence.
Unlock unique entry to the newest information on India’s common elections, solely on the HT App. Obtain Now! Obtain Now!
Two sufferers, together with a baby present process a surgical procedure, died and two sufferers had been injured when a serious fireplace broke out on the primary ground of Sanjay Gandhi Publish Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow final yr. The primary ground of the hospital homes the operation theatre and post-operation care ward. In keeping with insiders, the fireplace broke out when surgical procedure was about to start.
Nevertheless, SGPGI director Prof RK Dhiman stated, “The hearth incident originated on the anesthesia workstation as a consequence of a spark. It unfold quickly due to oxygen provide on the workstation. Workers negligence was to not blame…they fought the fireplace utilizing hydrants and different measures. The scenario may have been worse. had fireplace hydrants, pipes, and extinguishers not been in working situation.”
Dhiman stated an inquiry was performed, and the suggestions from the report had been applied. The report really useful common checks on all hydrants, lock cutters, and hammers, which he confirmed. Moreover, an evacuation plan had been established, significantly for C Block, which homes the laboratory. “Now we have ensured open exit programs. Now, exit doorways are saved open so that individuals can escape in case of any fireplace,” added Dhiman.
The variety of fireplace extinguishers has been elevated and the electrical wiring is changed, he stated. Furthermore, the hospital had two canteens the place meals was cooked on LPG cylinders. Based mostly on the committee’s suggestions, these have been changed with scorching plates and microwaves to stop any potential fireplace incidents.
“Now we have eliminated nearly each supply of fireside in our hospital. Regardless of that, pure calamities can happen, so we stay alert and examine the infrastructure each month,” concluded Dhiman.
Nevertheless, a health care provider on the institute stated: “Regardless of these measures, the shortage of transparency concerning the investigation’s findings and the delay in holding anybody accountable have left doubts concerning the establishment’s dedication to security and accountability. Now, two main tragedies have shaken the nation, highlighting the pressing want for improved fireplace security measures.”
He added, “The tragic incident at Child Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, on Saturday evening, which claimed lives of seven newborns, has pressured the authorities to suppose over fireplace security in hospitals. The Delhi fireplace incident is a stark reminder of the pressing want for stringent fireplace security measures in hospitals to stop such tragedies in future.”
As many as 27 folks, together with 4 kids, had been killed in an enormous fireplace that swept by means of a gaming arcade in Gujarat’s Rajkot. The blaze may need began as a consequence of welding work.
Alarmingly, over 90% of hospitals in Lucknow solely depend on fireplace extinguishers, which was an inadequate measure whereas many personal hospitals lacked emergency fireplace exit doorways.The indifference of officers in direction of enhancing fireplace security programs exacerbated the danger, leaving sufferers to bear the brunt of this negligence, stated fireplace officers.
The hearth division has ramped up vigilance and an advisory has been issued to hospitals, emphasizing the necessity for pressing motion. In Lucknow alone, out of over 900 personal hospitals, solely 211 have a hearth no-objection certificates (NoC). This leaves roughly 700 hospitals weak to fireplace hazards, they added.
On Could 26, further chief secretary Deepak Kumar issued an order directing all district magistrates (DMs), police commissioners, chief fireplace officers, and different officers to conduct thorough inspections of main crowded locations. The letter, a replica of which has been obtained by HT, mandates fireplace audits and evacuation drills at high-risk places. These embrace eating places, hospitals, nursing properties, significantly kids’s hospitals, malls, gaming zones, banquet halls, high-rise buildings and residences throughout all districts of UP.
The letter additionally highlights the danger of fireside accidents because of the present rising temperatures.
Chief fireplace officer (CFO) Mangesh Kumar stated, “Now we have began fireplace security checks in all hospitals of Lucknow and already accomplished the fireplace security audit of gaming zones…”
“After the Delhi incident, all fireplace security officers have been directed to examine hospitals of their respective areas. Notices can be issued to these failing to satisfy the requirements, coupled with efforts to lift fireplace security consciousness,” he added.
