New Delhi, Apr 27: The Centre has asked states and Union territories to strengthen fire prevention and safety measures across healthcare facilities as party Fire Safety Week activities in the country from May 4 to 10 focusing on preparedness and compliance.
In a communication to states on April 17, the Union Health Ministry said fire incidents pose a significant threat to life and infrastructure in healthcare settings, particularly where vulnerable patients depend on uninterrupted critical care services.
As the summer season approaches, ensuring fire safety assumes greater urgency, it said, stressing the need to enhance compliance with fire safety norms and promote a culture of vigilance across facilities.
In the letter Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the Fire Safety Week 2026 will be observed in coordination with the Directorate General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs, covering district-level health facilities and hospitals attached to medical colleges.
The theme for this year is “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society Together for Fire Prevention”, aimed at reinforcing awareness, preparedness and adherence to prescribed safety measures across all levels of healthcare delivery.
The ministry has shared key resources, including a day-wise schedule of activities, an updated fire safety assessment checklist and a fire safety pledge to be administered across institutions to build collective commitment.
It has also asked healthcare facilities, especially medical colleges, district hospitals and multi-speciality hospitals, to conduct fire safety assessments using the updated checklist and submit reports through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). Any discrepancies identified during audits should be rectified at the earliest, it said.
States and UTs have been encouraged to document and share activities carried out during the week through official social media channels, and to submit an action taken report after the observance, particularly on rectifying fire safety deficiencies.
The health ministry urged active participation of healthcare personnel as well as students of medical, nursing and paramedical institutions, along with community members, to make the initiative meaningful and impactful. (PTI)
