Fire Safety Neglect : Over 90% Hospitals in Pimpri-Chinchwad Lack Compliance

According to recent findings, a staggering 90% of hospitals in Pimpri-Chinchwad are operating without adhering to essential fire safety regulations.

Among the 617 private hospitals and 1456 clinics registered under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), a concerning 555 private hospitals and 1310 private clinics are functioning without submitting the requisite Form B and Fire NOC, blatantly disregarding fire safety protocols.

Manoj Lonkar, Deputy Commissioner of PCMC, emphasized that renewal of hospital documents will be withheld until they comply with fire safety standards. The PCMC’s fire department has intervened, urging the health department to withhold license renewals for hospitals and private clinics that fail to furnish Fire NOCs and ensure fire compliance.

Under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Protection Measures Act of 2006, it is obligatory for all buildings in Maharashtra to have firefighting equipment and preventive measures. Section 3(3) of the act mandates building owners to obtain Fire NOCs, certifying the functionality of firefighting systems within their premises, thus safeguarding public safety.

Dr. Shivaji Dange, Senior Medical Officer at PCMC, stressed the importance of hospitals conducting fire audits and obtaining Fire NOCs, underscoring the critical role of fire safety in healthcare facilities.

This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of fire safety regulations to ensure the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare establishments across Pimpri-Chinchwad.