Health Ministry launches nationwide Fire Safety Week, unveils new guidelines for hospitals
New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday launched a nationwide Fire Safety Week, aimed at strengthening fire prevention, preparedness and response systems across healthcare facilities.
The initiative was inaugurated with a nationwide pledge led by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, focusing on the theme “Fire Safety in Health Facilities.”
The week-long campaign, from May 4 to 10, coincides with the release of the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026), a comprehensive framework designed to enhance safety standards across hospitals and medical institutions.
The guidelines introduce stricter protocols, particularly for high-risk zones such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal and Pediatric ICUs (NICUs/PICUs), and operation theatres.
Addressing the launch event, Srivastava emphasised that ensuring safety in hospitals and schools is a shared responsibility, calling for regular audits, improved infrastructure and better-trained healthcare personnel to handle emergencies. She urged states and institutions to upload fire safety audit details on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) to ensure continuous monitoring and compliance.
Srivastava highlighted that over 50,000 participants have already completed fire safety training courses through government platforms, with plans to scale up capacity-building efforts nationwide. The initiative also seeks to promote “Jan Bhagidari” or people’s participation to create a sustained culture of safety awareness.
Echoing the need for a proactive approach, Krishna S. Vatsa of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said a systems-based strategy is essential for hospital safety. He announced plans for regional and state-level programmes to strengthen preparedness, including self-certification mechanisms and regular audits.
Similarly, Director General (Fire Services) Sunil Kumar Jha stressed that hospitals are highly sensitive environments where even minor lapses can have severe consequences, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety norms and continuous vigilance.
During the week, healthcare facilities across the country will conduct fire safety audits, mock drills, evacuation exercises and live demonstrations on fire detection and suppression systems. Technical webinars and awareness campaigns will also be organised to disseminate best practices and improve emergency response capabilities.
The Health Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure that both public and private healthcare institutions undertake rigorous fire and electrical safety checks. Special awareness initiatives, including competitions and hands-on training sessions, will be held in medical colleges and large hospitals to build a culture of safety among healthcare professionals and students.
(DD News)
