Over 230 Hyd hospitals fail fire test, get notices

Hyderabad: At least 230 hospitals across the city have been issued notices by the Telangana fire department for failing to comply with mandatory fire safety norms, particularly in buildings exceeding 15 metres in height. The action follows an extensive inspection drive that has so far covered around 800 hospitals.The inspections, being carried out simultaneously by all 145 fire stations, are part of a focused 10-12 day exercise targeting healthcare facilities. Each station has been tasked with inspecting at least one building per day, with officials aiming to cover between 1,400 and 1,600 govt and private hospitals.Audits have revealed serious gaps in fire preparedness. Several hospitals were found lacking essential infrastructure such as functional fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, automatic sprinklers, hose reels, and properly serviced fire extinguishers. In many cases, emergency exits were blocked or inaccessible, while evacuation plans and staff preparedness were found to be inadequate.The inspections are assessing compliance with key requirements, including valid and renewed fire no objection certificates (NOCs), operational fire-fighting systems, and emergency readiness. High-risk areas such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal ICUs, operation theatres, and medical gas storage units are under particular scrutiny."During inspections, we are repeatedly finding missing or non-functional fire extinguishers, non-working smoke detectors, absence of sprinkler systems, and poorly maintained fire alarm panels," said a senior district fire officer."In some hospitals, emergency exits are locked or encroached upon, while critical systems like hydrants and hose reels are either not installed or not in working condition."The official also flagged unsafe practices. "We are noticing oxygen cylinders being stored in confined basement areas and electrical circuits being overloaded, both of which significantly increase fire risk," the officer added.Hospitals with serious violations face denial of NOC renewals and prosecution under the Telangana Fire Service Act, 1999. Those with minor deficiencies have been given a two-week deadline to rectify the issues, failing which stricter action will be initiated.Officials said the drive was intensified following recent fire incidents. On March 29, a fire broke out at a private hospital in Masab Tank after an air-conditioner reportedly exploded, triggering panic among patients and staff, though no injuries were reported. In another incident, a blaze at SCB Medical College Hospital caused by an electrical short circuit in an ICU claimed 12 lives, underscoring the urgent need for strict compliance with fire safety norms.