Mohali Civil Hospital Lacks Fire Safety Certification for Over a Year
Mohali civil hospital sans fire NOC for over 1 year
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences in Mohali, Punjab, has been operating without a fire no-objection certificate (NOC) for over a year, despite daily patient inflow of nearly 400. Although the hospital has made progress in addressing fire safety issues, concerns remain about its preparedness in case of emergencies.
- 01The hospital has been without a fire NOC since January 2022.
- 02Approximately 400 patients visit the hospital daily, highlighting the urgency for compliance.
- 03Key obstacles in obtaining the NOC include structural issues and a non-functional pump room.
- 04Recent minor fire incidents raise concerns about the hospital's fire safety preparedness.
- 05Hospital authorities claim 80% of required fire safety measures have been addressed.
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The Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital in Mohali, Punjab, has been functioning without a fire no-objection certificate (NOC) for over a year, with its certification expiring in January 2022. The hospital serves nearly 400 patients daily, including those in wards and maternity units. Fire officials indicated that the hospital was made aware of the NOC requirements during multiple meetings. According to the National Building Code of India, 2016, institutional buildings must have several fire safety features, including a fire hose reel, hydrants, and a water storage capacity of at least 1.5 lakh litres. Hospital authorities, led by additional medical superintendent Amit Aggarwal, stated that they have re-applied for the NOC and resolved about 80% of the flagged issues. However, significant obstacles remain, such as a non-functional pump room and structural concerns related to the rooftop porta thermo-fab structures. Recently, a minor fire incident in the emergency department has heightened concerns about the hospital's fire safety preparedness, emphasizing the need for compliance given that it is the only major government facility in Mohali.
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The lack of a fire NOC raises significant safety concerns for patients and staff at the hospital, which is the only major government healthcare facility in Mohali. Ensuring compliance with fire safety norms is crucial for safeguarding lives.
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