Manav Singh, Pune
On Monday, Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences, also known as AIIMS, witnessed a fire breakout in its endoscopy room. Located on the old OPD’s second floor above the emergency ward of the hospital.
According to the officials, the fire started at around 11:54 a.m. All the patients present were safely evacuated.
They further added, “Six fire tenders were sent to the spot to douse the flames,” The hospital also conveyed that no casualties were reported. The fire was diffused, with the situation is now under control.
On the incident, one of the survivors Naznin from Nangloi in Delhi told PTI,” I went to AIIMS with my mother as she was to undergo a procedure. She was already given anesthesia and was on the table while I waited outside the room when the fire broke out”. She further stated, “Nothing was visible as dense smoke filled the area. I was clueless about my mother as she was unconscious till I saw her being brought outside on a stretcher after 15-20 minutes.”
The institute had ordered a fire safety audit four days prior. Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has started the audit, according to the order dated August 3rd.
According to the directive issued by AIIMS’ Department of Security, the Union Health Ministry’s National Guidelines for Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities require hospitals to conduct a comprehensive fire safety assessment involving a third party.
“Accordingly, it was decided in the meeting held under the chairmanship of the director that AIIMS-New Delhi shall undergo a third-party fire safety audit,” the order conveyed. CBRI recommended by the Ministry of Health has accepted the proposal to conduct a fire safety audit of the third party.