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Karnataka Hospitals Fail Fire Safety Audit
21 Dec
Summary
- Many Karnataka hospitals lack basic evacuation plans and fire safety mechanisms.
- Audit found critical deficiencies in fire prevention and firefighting capabilities.
- Government is now working to address audit findings with new directives.
An audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has exposed critical shortcomings in disaster management preparedness within Karnataka's public health infrastructure. The report, covering the period from 2016 to 2022, found that a majority of audited hospitals lacked essential components such as comprehensive disaster management plans and functioning evacuation procedures. This oversight raises serious concerns about patient and staff safety during emergencies.
The audit specifically highlighted severe deficiencies in fire safety measures. Many hospitals failed to meet Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines, with a notable absence of fire hydrants, functional fire extinguishers, and mandatory no-objection certificates from the Fire Department. Furthermore, vital fire detection systems like smoke detectors and alarms were missing in numerous facilities, increasing the risk during fire incidents.
In response to these findings, the Health Department indicated that steps are being taken to rectify the identified issues. A recent circular from the Health Commissioner directed all health institutions to designate nodal officers for disaster management and strictly adhere to safety guidelines. The department is emphasizing compliance with disaster management plans, evacuation strategies, and fire safety installations to improve overall preparedness.
