A significant fire erupted at the Eye 7 Hospital in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). As many as 12 fire engines were dispatched to the scene to control the blaze, according to a DFS official who spoke with news agency PTI.
The fire was reported at approximately 11:30 am, and firefighting efforts are still underway. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far, the DFS official confirmed.
The Eye 7 Hospital, located near the Vinobapuri metro station in the Lajpat Nagar area, became the site of the latest fire incident, following a series of recent blazes in the capital. Just days earlier, another fire had broken out at Eye Mantra Hospital in Paschim Vihar.
In that incident, the fire ignited on the second floor of the hospital, but quick evacuation ensured that no one was injured.
This spate of fires has raised alarms about safety standards in Delhi's healthcare facilities. Last month, a catastrophic blaze at a hospital in Vivek Vihar claimed the lives of six newborns.
The Delhi government has since mandated fire audits for all state-run and private health facilities.
The Vivek Vihar tragedy revealed numerous safety lapses, including the storage of 27 oxygen cylinders in the five-bed neonatal centre, five of which exploded during the fire, resulting in further injuries to five other newborns.
These incidents underscore a growing concern over fire safety in Delhi. Earlier this week, a massive fire also broke out in a banquet hall behind Gurugram's Ambience Mall in the early hours of Tuesday, adding to the list of recent fire emergencies.
In response to these events, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a directive emphasising the need for strict compliance with regulatory protocols and fire safety norms.
The ministry highlighted the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare facilities.
The press release from the ministry stated: “Safety and well-being of patients (both outpatients and inpatients), staff, and visitors is of utmost importance in healthcare facilities. Recently, fire incidents have been reported in a few places. These are a result of short circuits due to sub-optimal electrical maintenance and/or overload of electricity lines due to the use of Air-Conditioners and other equipment. Given the potential risks associated with fire hazards in hospitals, strict protocols and measures must be put in place to prevent, detect, and respond to fires effectively. Establishing a robust fire safety plan and conducting fire-evacuation and safety drills will not only ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but also safeguard lives and property.”
The ministry directed all states and Union Territories to enforce stricter compliance with these protocols and conduct regular mock drills to ensure preparedness and safety.
Follow us
