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Hospital Fire System Ignored for 1.5 Years
24 Nov
Summary
- Fire detection system installed in March 2024 remained unused.
- Permission for hiring firemen received after a 1.5-year delay.
- Fire safety system in the old wing awaits handover from PESCO.
After a significant delay exceeding eighteen months, Ludhiana civil hospital has secured the crucial approval needed to hire trained firemen. This enables the operation of its fully installed fire detection and fighting system, which has been non-functional since its completion in March 2024. The system's installation began in 2018 but faced numerous setbacks.
The urgency for operational fire safety measures intensified following a minor fire incident at the hospital in March 2024, leading to the expedited completion of the system's physical setup. Despite having the financial resources available from user charges, the hospital legally required consent from the Punjab Health Service Corporation (PHSC) to proceed with hiring.
Dr. Akhil Sareen confirmed receiving the PHSC's permission last week and has since engaged the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) to supply the required firemen. While the old wing's system awaits official handover upon PESCO's arrival, the Mother and Child wing's fire safety installation is nearing completion and is expected to be operational shortly.
