Need three months to implement steps: DGP A Hemachandran

KOZHIKODE: The fire that gutted a private hospital in Thrissur early hours on Friday, has brought to light the poor infrastructure facilities at the hospitals in the state, most of which often fail to keep a tab on the fire and safety requirements as prescribed. Earlier, after a fire in a hospital in Odisha that claimed 21 lives, the state had deputed two officers to study the issues there in the backdrop of state's own pathetic record on ensuring adequate fire safety measures at hospitals. A report on the same was submitted on November 21.

However, Fire and Rescue Services DGP A. Hemachandran said that that it would take a minimum of three months to install all the suggestions prescribed in the report. The report, submitted by assistant divisional officers Arun Bhaskar (Kozhikode) and and T. Rejeesh (Kasargod) suggested immediate checks on hospitals, including the medical colleges, that violated fire and safety norms. "We are already into the implementation of the report recommendations. Though the finance department has granted approval for the funds for the machineries, it might take another three months to fully implement the suggestions," the DGP said.

State officers had held the detailed inquiry at SUM hospital in Bhbaneshwar from October 25 to 27. They had informed that Kerala, with poor fire and safety checks and infrastructure for fighting a major fire tragedy, could anytime expect an accident similar to the Bhubaneshwar tragedy. Their major recommendations included implementation of fixed fire fighting installation and safety measures in every hospital building and sufficient number of exit points. They had also suggested for hotline facility to be installed between the local fire brigade and major hospitals and that all hospital staff be given propertraining in fire fighting. Proper evacuation plan and exit signs should be ensured in each floor and periodical inspection of the hospitals should be done.