Nagpur: The fire incident reported in the Paediatric Department of Daga Hospital on Wednesday has once again laid bare the shocking and dangerous state of fire safety preparedness in several hospitals across Nagpur, raising disturbing questions about how critical healthcare facilities are being allowed to operate despite serious violations that directly endanger human lives.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among citizens and healthcare observers, particularly after official data from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation Fire Department revealed that as many as 92 hospitals in the city are currently facing action for failing to comply with mandatory fire safety norms prescribed under the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 and the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, amended in 2023.
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The figures paint an alarming picture of negligence, administrative laxity and systemic failure in enforcing basic life-saving norms in institutions where patients, including critically ill children, elderly persons and emergency cases, are expected to remain safe.
According to official records, nearly 370 hospitals in Nagpur had obtained temporary No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire Department. However, only 164 hospitals have managed to secure permanent occupancy certificates after fully implementing the required fire safety measures.
The data further reveals that 76 hospital buildings are still under construction, while several hospitals already functioning and treating patients continue to operate with incomplete or deficient fire safety compliance, a situation that experts say could prove catastrophic in the event of a major blaze.
Although the NMC claims that complete fire safety arrangements have been ensured in 240 buildings so far, the ongoing violations in dozens of hospitals have exposed the frightening gap between official claims and ground reality.
Authorities have already issued notices to 92 hospitals, directing them to urgently complete pending fire safety installations and rectify violations. Of these, 60 buildings have reportedly been declared dangerous and asked to be vacated immediately due to the serious threat posed to occupants.
In a strong escalation of action, the Fire Department has initiated proceedings to disconnect electricity and water supply to 30 persistently non-compliant buildings. In six highly dangerous cases, police assistance has been sought to evacuate occupants and seal the premises. Officials confirmed that one building has already been sealed for failing to meet mandatory safety requirements.
Under the existing law, hospitals are required to complete all prescribed fire safety installations within 120 days. The legislation grants authorities sweeping powers to declare structures dangerous, disconnect utilities, forcibly evacuate occupants and seal buildings if violations remain unresolved.
The latest incident at Daga Hospital has intensified fears that hospitals, institutions meant to save lives, are increasingly turning into potential death traps due to delayed enforcement, poor compliance and continued administrative negligence.
Despite inspection drives being carried out by teams from 12 fire stations across Nagpur, the situation continues to expose serious shortcomings in monitoring and accountability. Citizens and safety experts have now demanded stricter enforcement, immediate corrective action and criminal accountability against those responsible for compromising public safety in healthcare establishments.
