New Delhi, 04 May (H.S.): Hospitals face heightened fire risks due to increased electrical loads and oxygen-enriched environments. Addressing this, the Central Health Ministry has issued new fire safety guidelines aimed at ensuring patient safety, particularly during emergencies.
The new directives incorporate advanced, systematic strategies for safely evacuating patients, with special emphasis on phased evacuation protocols for critical patients in ICUs, NICUs, and other sensitive wards. They also prioritize strengthening fire safety governance, mandating regular audits, and providing enhanced training for hospital staff.
On Monday, the Central Health Ministry released an advisory stating that the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026) represent a major step toward bolstering fire safety in hospitals.
Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava noted that the guidelines specifically include phased evacuation strategies for critically ill and immobile patients. High-risk areas such as ICUs, NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units), PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units), and operation theatres now have dedicated safety protocols to enable swift, secure responses in emergencies. She urged all states and health facilities to regularly upload fire safety audit details on the IHIP portal, institutionalizing compliance and serving as a continuous reminder for upholding safety standards.
This revised framework updates the 2020 guidelines and was prepared in collaboration with expert institutions including the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, Bureau of Indian Standards, School of Planning and Architecture, and AIIMS.
These directives will significantly reduce fire-related risks in hospitals, enhance emergency preparedness, and safeguard patient lives.
Additionally, the Central Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide Fire Safety Week from May 4 to 10 to reinforce fire protection in hospitals and health institutions while raising awareness.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
