As temperatures escalate, Union Health Ministry holds review meeting with States on Heatwave Preparedness and measures to prevent Hospital Fires during summer months
As temperatures escalate, Union Health Ministry holds review meeting with States on Heatwave Preparedness and measures to prevent Hospital Fires during summer months
Dr Atul Goel, DGHS, Union Health Ministry conducted a virtual meeting with States/UTs to assess the preparedness of Heat wave conditions and fire & electrical safety measures adopted by various health care facilities across the country.
As per the long-range outlook forecast issued by IMD on 27th May 2024, it is forecasted that in June 2024, above-normal monthly maximum temperatures are likely over most part of the country, except in parts of the southern peninsular India, where normal to below normal temperatures are most likely. During June, above normal heat wave days are likely over most areas of Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India.
State Health departments have been sent the following directives:
Through a letter sent on 23rd March 2024, States/UTs have been requested to take proactive measures to prevent devastating incidents caused by extreme heat. This was followed by another letter on 29 May 2024 for taking all preventive measures in respect to fire safety.
Following detailed steps and measures to be undertaken by State/UTs were reiterated in the meeting:
State level preparedness:
It was informed that the highest-level officials of all State/UTs are monitoring the situation stringently. States like Madhya Pradesh have undertaken mock-drill exercises on fire-safety accidents in all Government & Private Hospitals. Urban Administration & Engineering departments were coordinated for conducting mock drills regarding fire safety. Code Red Protocol has also been issued. Heat Wave Control rooms have been established across the State in Odisha. DASTAK (Door-to-door) campaign are being conducted for raising awareness of the population in Uttar Pradesh. Fire Safety Officers identified in almost all health facilities in this state. Haryana have made dedicated financial allocation to ensure essential drugs and logistics at all Health Care facilities. In Rajasthan, ambulances linked to 104 & 108 are equipped with cooling appliances. In West Bengal, Fire Safety certificates are ensured from fire departments and mock drills are being conducted. In Bihar, co-ordination is ongoing with State Disaster Management Authority for Preventing fire incidents at Health care facilities. Delhi has also issued directives and SOP for firefighting system to all government and private hospitals. If fire NOC is not available even in smaller facilities, either in government / in private institutes, fire evacuation plans and firefighting system has been made mandatory to be kept in place.
****
MV