24 Private Hospitals in Pune Fail Fire Safety Norms, Get PMC Notice
24 Private Hospitals in Pune Fail Fire Safety Norms, Get PMC Notice
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued notices to 24 private hospitals for failing to renew their fire no-objection certificates (NOCs). These hospitals have been asked to renew their fire NOCs at the earliest or face strict action.
According to the Pune Mirror, PMC officials inspected 867 private hospitals to check fire safety compliance. They found that 24 hospitals had either not renewed their NOCs or failed to upgrade fire equipment. The hospitals have been given one month to comply. If they fail, PMC will take action under the Bombay Nursing Act.
Most hospitals have now started the process, with five already renewing their NOCs. However, hospital representatives say the issue is not about lacking fire equipment but about delays in the renewal process. They claim the online renewal system is slow and full of technical glitches. They have urged the government to fix these issues to ensure smooth compliance.
Another major concern raised is the frequency of renewal. As per government rules, hospitals need to obtain a fire NOC once while filing Form A. However, the health department insists on renewing it every six months through Form B.
Social activists warn that non-compliance can lead to serious fire hazards, especially as Pune’s temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius. Hospitals are at high risk due to overloaded electrical systems, overheating medical equipment, and faulty wiring. They have urged the government to take strict action against hospitals failing to follow safety norms.
Past fire incidents in hospitals highlight the urgency of this issue. Activists demand that the government revoke permissions for non-compliant hospitals to ensure patient safety.
