To prevent fires: Strict directive issued to hospitals in Punjab

LAHORE: The Secretary of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Punjab Azmat Mehmood has issued an urgent directive to the administrative heads of both government and private hospitals across the province, including all vice chancellors of Public sector medical universities, principals, deans EDs/HOI of public sector medical colleges, specialised medical institutes, all medical superintendents of hospitals or teaching hospitals, organizations/bodies under the administrative control of Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department highlighting the critical importance of electrical safety in preventing fire-related incidents.

The department’s letter comes in response to growing concerns over electrical malfunctions, which have been identified as a major cause of fires in healthcare facilities. The new measures aim to enhance safety protocols and minimize risks to both patients and staff.

Under the new guidelines, hospitals are required to establish an Electrical Safety Committee as part of their Disaster Management Committee. This committee will be tasked with conducting regular inspections of electrical systems, overseeing preventative maintenance for equipment such as air conditioners, life support machines, and generators, and ensuring that timely repairs are made.

Additionally, hospitals must arrange for comprehensive electrical audits by qualified professionals to assess the condition of wiring and make necessary upgrades to meet current safety standards.

The department has also mandated regular fire safety training for all hospital staff, with a particular emphasis on electrical fire prevention. In collaboration with Rescue 1122, hospitals are to conduct frequent fire drills, including simulations of electrical fire emergencies, to ensure staff are well-prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

Moreover, fire extinguishers must be regularly inspected and maintained, and emergency exits must remain clear and accessible at all times.

Hospitals are further instructed to ensure that all electrical and biomedical equipment is up-to-date and functioning properly. This includes ensuring that equipment is plugged into safe, modern electrical sockets, and replacing any outdated or faulty devices.

In terms of energy management, hospitals are encouraged to limit the use of air conditioners in non-critical areas, use energy-efficient appliances, and ensure that generators are appropriately sized to avoid overloading.

Unauthorized use of electrical appliances within hospital premises is also strictly prohibited to reduce unnecessary risks. In addition, each hospital is required to appoint a Hospital Safety Officer (HSO) responsible for coordinating with emergency services like Rescue 1122 in case of a fire or other electrical emergency.

The secretary has emphasized the importance of compliance with these guidelines, noting that failure to adhere to the instructions could be seen as a lapse in responsibility. Hospitals are urged to submit regular reports on their progress in implementing these safety measures to the Department of Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education.

With these new protocols, the Punjab Healthcare Department aims to significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in hospitals, ensuring a safer environment for healthcare workers and patients alike.