Hospital Fire Tragedy: Delhi Health Minister Orders Fire Audits For All Hospitals By June 8

Following the tragic fire at a neo-natal care centre in Vivek Vihar, which resulted in the death of six newborns, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has mandated that all hospitals in Delhi conduct a fire safety audit and submit a compliance report to the state health department by June 8. This directive aims to ensure hospitals are prepared to handle fire emergencies, Bhardwaj stated after a meeting with health department officials at the Delhi secretariat.

The meeting, prompted by the fire that occurred late Saturday night, focused on enhancing fire safety measures in city hospitals. Bhardwaj pointed out, “There is a rule that hospitals with a height of less than 9 metres do not require fire NOC (no-objection certificate). This is the reason why this hospital also did not have a fire NOC. Now, we have issued instructions that all hospitals, whether single-storey or double-storey, must have all safety arrangements to deal with fire at in their premises. It will be ensured that water sprinkler systems and automatic smoke detectors are installed in all hospitals irrespective of their height so that fire can be prevented from spreading in the building.”

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and special secretary (health) were also present at the meeting. Bhardwaj mentioned that on April 24 and again on May 8, 2024, directives were issued to both private and government hospitals to ensure fire preparedness. “Today, we have sent reminders to all hospitals to get the fire audit done,” he added.

Hospitals are required to conduct the audits through private agencies, with the fire department available to assist if needed. Bhardwaj revealed that the Vivek Vihar nursing home was operating without valid registration, as its registration had expired in March 2024. Although the nursing home applied for renewal in February, it was denied due to incomplete documentation.

“The owner of this hospital runs a similar hospital in Paschim Puri. Cases have been registered against him twice (in past) in different incidents. These cases are going on in Karkardooma and Tis Hazari Courts. It is expected that soon the court will give its verdict against the owner of this nursing home in these cases and he will be given a severe punishment,” Bhardwaj said.

There is also suspicion that illegally refilled oxygen cylinders may have caused the fire, an allegation currently under investigation. Bhardwaj noted that he learned about the incident through media reports and had difficulty reaching the health secretary for more information.

An official from the health secretary’s office stated that further investigations are ongoing.