H&ME Deptt orders F&ES Deptt’s fire safety audit in J&K hospitals

Srinagar, May 29: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department Wednesday ordered a review of fire safety audit and inspections of the healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir through the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Department.

The circular instructions in this regard have been issued by the Administrative Secretary H&ME Department, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, on Wednesday, given the prevailing heatwave conditions across Jammu and Kashmir.

The circular instructions have been issued by the Administrative Department to obviate any chances of injury to life or limb in fire incidents.

“It has become imperative to ensure that all health institutions under the control of the H&ME Department strictly adhere to fire safety protocols,” the circular instructions read.

As per the government directions, all the Heads of the Department (HoDs) have been directed to conduct immediate fire safety audits wherein all the heads of the departments have been asked to arrange for comprehensive fire safety audits of their respective health institutions without delay in coordination with F&ES Department to ensure that the fire safety guidelines and other SOPs are met.

“These audits should be thorough and cover all aspects of fire safety, including but not limited to fire exits, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures,” it reads.

The HODs have been instructed to identify and address gaps and ensure that any gaps or deficiencies identified during these audits must be addressed immediately.

“It must be ensured that all fire safety equipment is in working order and that staff are trained in emergency response protocols,” the circular reads.

Besides, all the HoDs have been also advised to schedule and conduct regular fire drills to ensure that all staff members are familiar with evacuation procedures and can respond effectively in the event of a fire.

All the heads of the departments have been instructed to submit the compliance report detailing the findings of the fire safety audit besides the action taken to address any gaps, and confirmation of compliance with fire safety protocols, to the administrative department within seven days.

“Prompt personal attention by the HoD to this critical issue is essential to safeguard the lives of patients, staff, and visitors within our health institutions,” the circular reads.