A major fire erupted at Eye 7 Hospital in the heavily populated Lajpan Nagar area of New Delhi on Wednesday. Smoke billowed from the healthcare center as first responders battled the flames.
Local authorities deployed 12 fire engines, marking a rapid escalation of their effort to contain the blaze.
The fire comes during a worrying trend of hospital fires in the region. Just days before, Eye Mantra Hospital in Paschim Vihar experienced a similar episode.
The previous month, a tragic fire in Vivek Vihar claimed the lives of six newborns and prompted a government-directed fire audit of healthcare facilities.
First Responders Act Swiftly
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) reported no injuries. Teams received the emergency call at 11:30 am, and firefighters promptly rushed to the scene.
The hospital, located near Vinobapuri metro station, quickly became the focal point of intense firefighting efforts aimed at preventing any loss of life or further property damage.
Back-to-Back Fire Incidents Prompt Government Action
This latest emergency emerges just a day after a fire at a Gurugram banquet hall and following recent directives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Ministry emphasized adherence to fire safety norms in the wake of these recurring incidents. Departments were urged to establish rigorous fire safety protocols and initiate regular drills.
Officials cited electrical short circuits and overloaded lines, often exacerbated by air-conditioners and heavy equipment, as the fire’s likely cause. The directive called for robust fire safety plans and effective response strategies to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.
A Call for Prevention and Readiness
The ministry’s press release underscored the paramount importance of patient, staff, and visitor safety. It highlighted deficient electrical maintenance and excessive loading of electrical lines as common culprits behind the recent fires. Stressing the potential risks, it advocated for concrete measures to mitigate hazards.
In alignment with the ministry’s guidance, local governments across various states and territories must ensure compliance and conduct mock drills.
These drills are integral in preparing healthcare facilities for the possibility of such disasters, aiming to minimize potential harm and property loss.
Moving Forward
As the Eye 7 Hospital fire unfolds, the concern for safety within India’s healthcare infrastructure has never been more pronounced. With these alarms, Delhi joins other cities worldwide in reassessing the fire readiness of critical institutions.
Today’s event acts as a stark reminder of the urgency required in implementing and following fire safety protocols.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, the DFS showcases its preparedness and ability to respond quickly to crises. The investigation into the fire’s exact causes is ongoing, and updates are expected as officials piece together the incident’s timeline and origins.
The recent string of fires has ushered in a renewed focus on safety standards within healthcare facilities, with the government and facility management taking strides to protect those within their walls.
A Wakeup Call for Hospital Fire Safety Standards
The blaze that swept through Eye 7 Hospital in Lajpat Nagar is a wakeup call. It amplifies the need for strict fire safety measures in Delhi’s hospitals.
While this incident fortunately led to no casualties, it raises crucial questions about the existing safety protocols and the urgency for comprehensive audits and immediate action across all medical facilities.
