Fire safety is an unknown phenomenon in almost all private hospitals in erstwhile undivided Adilabad district. Even the huge Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here is no exception.
The 500-bed RIMS Hospital is located in large buildings on the premises of the institute. According to institute Director K. Ashok there is no structural problem in the hospital so far as fire safety is concerned but the all-important hydrants are missing.
“In the event of a mishap, people can exit the hospital through three ways and it will not be difficult either as the corridors are wide and the buildings have good ventilation in addition to sufficient open area for fire tenders to move around the building,” Dr. Ashok revealed. The RIMS management has thrice sent proposals to the Government for establishment of the hydrant system but there is no response. This could constitute a serious lapse in case of a fire accident, he added.
Authorities apprised
“We have apprised the district administration of the lack of hydrants at the RIMS and the matter lies there itself,” disclosed Adilabad District Fire Officer Sandanna. “There is an urgent need for hydrants,” he opined.
The Fire Services department has served notices on 10 private hospitals in Adilabad, 9 at Mancherial and 5 at Nirmal for not complying with fire safety norms. This shows the extent of the negligence of private hospital managements.
Also, many hospitals do not qualify for scrutiny of fire services department as the height of the buildings is below the 15-metre mark. However, experts say the norms should apply to all hospital buildings above the 9 metres.