Maharashtra mandates stricter hospital safety audits and inspections

The Maharashtra government has implemented stricter safety protocols for all healthcare institutions, including government, private, and charitable hospitals. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has ordered comprehensive fire, electrical, and structural safety audits, emphasizing that inspections must involve physical checks rather than mere paperwork. Under these new directives, every hospital building must undergo a physical safety inspection every six months. Additionally, each healthcare institution is required to appoint a dedicated safety officer.

Special attention will be given to high-risk areas such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), nurseries, and operating theaters to ensure adequate emergency response systems are in place.

In Nagpur, a recent audit conducted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Fire and Emergency Services Department revealed significant violations following a fatal hospital fire in Amravati. The audit of 484 medical facilities found that 94 private hospitals were operating in buildings not sanctioned for medical use. Furthermore, 121 operational hospitals were found to be functioning without mandatory fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Enforcement proceedings have been initiated against 265 non-compliant hospitals, and three establishments were ordered to shut down immediately due to serious hazards.