Over 200 city hospitals have no fire clearance

The fire and emergency services officials have decided to inspect 200 high-rise hospitals in the city as the 60-day notice period is coming to a close.

M N Reddi, director general, Fire and Emergency Services told DH that the department had issued notices to more than 200 high-rise hospitals in the city, including multi-specialty hospitals for not following fire safety measures.

“All the officers were busy from the past one week following the fire at Yelahanka air base and the fire in Bandipur forest. Soon, we are going to start the inspection at these hospitals. Those who have not followed our instructions, action will be initiated against them according to fire safety norms,” said M N Reddi.

According to Sunil Agarwal, ADGP (Fire and Emergency Services), fire safety in hospitals is a major concern as hospitals are more vulnerable than any other buildings given the number of people that the buildings house. Even though patients are on the ground floor, they cannot escape during an emergency, he said.