Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A fire at Deepshikha Hospital in Vidya Nagar has exposed serious gaps in fire safety compliance at healthcare facilities in Bhopal, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of patients, attendants and staff at major hospitals.
The fire broke out around 10.15 pm on Friday in a room at the four-storey hospital, with smoke quickly spreading through the building. Around 20 patients, including women in the delivery ward, were admitted at the time.
The hospital's firefighting arrangements proved inadequate, prompting the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's (BMC) fire department to send a fire tender to control the blaze.
Although Deepshikha Hospital had a Fire NOC, its fire safety audit had not been renewed.
As a result, there was no recent verification of whether critical equipment such as extinguishers, hydrants, alarms, sprinklers and emergency exits were functional.
The Corporation is examining the hospital's documents and may hold the management accountable for lapses. It will also recover the cost of firefighting services, estimated at around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
BMC s fire department and police are investigating the Deepshikha Hospital fire, with a short circuit suspected to be the preliminary cause.
When contacted, BMC s fire officer Saurabh Patel confirmed that Deepshikha Hospital had the fire NOC but no fire safety audit was carried out. Other major hospitals are also under scanner.
JP Hospital, GMC raise concern
The incident has also brought fire safety arrangements at government hospitals under scrutiny. Reports indicate that JP Hospital and two buildings of Gandhi Medical College do not have Fire NOCs.
With these facilities witnessing thousands of patients and visitors every day, the absence or non-renewal of fire safety clearances raises concerns over emergency preparedness and the ability to evacuate patients safely during a major fire.
