Answer

The tragic fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed the lives of 11 newborn babies, highlights the failure of fire safety measures in India’s public institutions. Despite the National Building Code (NBC) and Fire Safety and Prevention Rules, many hospitals do not comply with these regulations. This emphasizes the urgent need for better fire safety enforcement and significant upgrades to infrastructure to prevent future loss of life.

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Challenges in Ensuring Fire Safety in Public Institutions

• Flawed Fire Safety Implementation: Many hospitals fail to follow prescribed fire safety regulations due to corruption and a lack of proper oversight in obtaining fire no-objection certificates (NOCs).
  For example: According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), many hospitals bypass regulatory checks, resulting in unsafe structures that do not meet fire safety standards.
• Inadequate Infrastructure and Planning: Improper planning, coupled with substandard construction, often creates fire hazards in public institutions, especially in hospitals.
  For example: The Kolkata AMRI hospital fire incident (2011) exposed critical flaws in structural planning, such as blocked escape routes and inadequate fire exits, which contributed to a high death toll.
• Lack of Awareness and Training: Medical staff and fire safety personnel are often not adequately trained in fire prevention, emergency evacuation, or firefighting techniques.
  For example: The fire at a COVID-19 facility in Mumbai (2020) revealed a lack of preparedness, with hospital staff unable to handle fire emergencies due to inadequate training and awareness.
• Limited Funding for Fire Safety Measures: Many hospitals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, lack the financial resources to upgrade fire safety infrastructure or procure adequate firefighting equipment.
• Weak Enforcement of Fire Safety Regulations: There is a lack of strict enforcement of fire safety codes, and inspections are often insufficient or irregular, leading to non-compliance.
  For example: The Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded over 7,500 fire accidents in 2022, resulting in 7,435 deaths, demonstrating the serious consequences of poor enforcement.
• Absence of Dedicated Emergency Infrastructure: Many hospitals lack dedicated evacuation routes, fire-resistant materials, and other essential infrastructure to safeguard against fire hazards.
  For example: The Uphaar Cinema fire (1997), which killed 59 people, was exacerbated by inadequate exit points, highlighting the need for robust evacuation planning, as stipulated by the NBC and NDMA guidelines.
• Regional Disparities in Fire Safety Standards: Variations in the implementation of fire safety standards across different states and Union Territories in India create regional disparities.

Measures to Address These Challenges

• Strengthening Oversight and Regulation: Ensuring robust monitoring of fire safety norms and making fire safety audits mandatory for all hospitals can improve compliance.
  For example: The NDMA’s guidelines for fire safety in public institutions should be enforced more strictly, with regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
• Upgrading Infrastructure and Technology: Hospitals must invest in modern fire safety infrastructure, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems.
  For example: The fire safety measures at AIIMS Delhi, which include advanced fire detection and suppression systems, could serve as a model for other hospitals.
• Improving Staff Training and Awareness: Regular fire safety drills and comprehensive training programs for hospital staff on emergency procedures are essential.
  For example: The Fire Safety Training Programs initiated by NDRF can be replicated in all hospitals to ensure staff readiness during a crisis.
• Increasing Funding for Fire Safety: Governments and hospital authorities should allocate more funds for fire safety infrastructure and regular maintenance.
  For example: The National Health Mission (NHM) can include fire safety as a mandatory part of its funding proposals for new hospital projects, especially in underserved areas.
• Strict Enforcement of NBC Standards: Implementing the National Building Code (NBC) more rigorously and making it a part of the local building bylaws can ensure consistent safety standards across states.
  For example: State governments should incorporate the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016 to enforce fire safety measures and guidelines within hospitals.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about fire safety in hospitals and public institutions can encourage better vigilance and adherence to safety standards.
  For example: Awareness campaigns like those conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) can help spread knowledge about fire prevention and emergency response.
• Incentivizing Compliance: Providing incentives such as subsidies or grants to hospitals that comply with fire safety standards can encourage better implementation.

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The tragic hospital fire in Jhansi is a stark reminder of the ongoing gaps in fire safety enforcement in public institutions. Adopting the best practices followed in countries like Japan, which has one of the lowest fire fatality rates, can be a guiding light. The Government should focus on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing regulations, and improving training programs to create safer public spaces. With committed action and the proper resources, India can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities.

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