PGI fire incident , a reminder call, importance of fire safety in hospitals shall on priority

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident on October 10, 2023, is a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety in hospitals. On October 10, 2023, a fire broke out in the Nehru Hospital block of the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh. The fire is suspected to have started in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system in the computer room on the first floor of the hospital.

Over 400 patients were evacuated from the hospital to safety. No casualties were reported in the incident, but the fire caused damage to the hospital’s infrastructure.

The fire was brought under control by firefighters after several hours. A committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire and to recommend measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident is a reminder of the importance of fire safety in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Hospitals are particularly vulnerable to fires because they often contain a large number of flammable materials, such as oxygen tanks, medical equipment, and patient bedding.

In order to prevent fires in hospitals, it is important to have a comprehensive fire safety plan in place. This plan should include measures such as regular fire drills, fire alarm testing, and the installation of fire suppression systems. It is also important to ensure that all staff are properly trained in fire safety procedures.

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident is also a reminder of the importance of evacuating patients safely in the event of a fire. Hospitals should have clear evacuation plans in place and all staff should be familiar with these plans. It is also important to have adequate signage and staff to assist patients during an evacuation.

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident is a serious event, but it is also an opportunity to learn and to improve fire safety practices in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Hospitals are particularly vulnerable to fires because they often contain a large number of flammable materials, such as oxygen tanks, medical equipment, and patient bedding. In order to prevent fires in hospitals, it is important to have a comprehensive fire safety plan in place. This plan should include measures such as:

• Regular fire drills
• Fire alarm testing
• Installation of fire suppression systems
• Proper training of all staff in fire safety procedures

It is also important to have clear evacuation plans in place and to ensure that all staff are familiar with these plans. Adequate signage and staff should also be available to assist patients during an evacuation.

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident is a serious event, but it is also an opportunity to learn and to improve fire safety practices in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Here are some additional tips for fire safety in hospitals:

• Keep all flammable materials away from heat sources.
• Store flammable liquids in properly labeled safety cabinets.
• Inspect all electrical wiring and equipment regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
• Have a qualified electrician repair any electrical problems immediately.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Keep fire extinguishers in convenient locations and make sure that all staff know how to use them.
• Have a fire safety plan in place and review it regularly with all staff.