Reinforcing its commitment to ensuring safe healthcare environments, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with all states and Union Territories and in coordination with relevant Central Ministries and Departments, commenced the nationwide observance of Fire Safety Week from 4th May to 10th May.
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Reinforcing its commitment to ensuring safe healthcare environments, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with all states and Union Territories and in coordination with relevant Central Ministries and Departments, commenced the nationwide observance of Fire Safety Week from 4th May to 10th May.
The observance was inaugurated with a nationwide pledge ceremony on the theme “Fire Safety in Health Facilities,” led by Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, reaffirming the collective commitment of healthcare institutions and stakeholders towards strengthening fire prevention, preparedness, and response systems.
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On the occasion, the Union Health Secretary highlighted the theme of this year’s Fire Safety Week — “Safe Schools, Safe Hospitals, and a Fire-Safety Aware Society: Together for Fire Prevention”, underscoring that ensuring safety within our institutions is a shared and collective responsibility.
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She noted that Fire Safety Week provides an opportunity to reassess existing infrastructure, evaluate whether facilities have been adequately audited, and identify gaps and discrepancies that need addressing.
Emphasising capacity building, she stressed that healthcare professionals must be adequately trained and sensitized to effectively respond to fire emergencies.
She further urged all states and healthcare facilities to regularly upload fire safety audit details on the IHIP portal, noting that such practices would institutionalize compliance and serve as a continuous reminder for maintaining safety standards.
The Union Health Secretary also expressed satisfaction that over 50,000 participants have already completed the iGOT fire safety course, including several government institutions, and highlighted the importance of scaling up such efforts.
She concluded by emphasising that through Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation), a meaningful and sustained impact can be achieved in strengthening fire safety across the country.
On the occasion, Krishna S Vatsa, Member and Head, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), emphasised the need for a proactive, systems-based approach to fire safety in healthcare facilities.
He underscored that a nationwide campaign must be undertaken to strengthen fire safety in hospitals and informed that NDMA is planning to organize five regional programmes, along with similar initiatives at the State and district levels, to build capacity and enhance preparedness.
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