Despite the heightened risk to patient safety, more than 90% of private hospitals and clinics in Pimpri-Chinchwad are operating without essential fire compliance. The Fire Department, alarmed by this non-compliance, has urged the Health Department to withhold licenses and renewals for nursing homes lacking Fire NOC.
The Safety Quandary: Hospitals Ignoring Mandatory Fire Compliance
Operating without adhering to mandatory fire compliance measures, 555 private hospitals and 1,310 private clinics in Pimpri-Chinchwad are potentially jeopardizing the lives of patients and their families. The Fire Department, under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), has explicitly requested that nursing home licenses and renewals be contingent upon Fire NOC and full compliance with fire safety measures.
A senior officer from the PCMC Fire Brigade department, speaking anonymously, expressed concern: “Despite State government and PCMC rules mandating fire compliance for commercial establishments, hospitals, and clinics, over 90% are functioning without it, failing to submit Form B.”
The Gravity of Non-Compliance: Numbers and Implications
Out of 617 private hospitals and 1,456 clinics registered with PCMC in the twin city, a staggering 555 hospitals and 1,310 clinics have neglected to submit Form B and Fire NOC, indicating a widespread lack of adherence to fire safety regulations.
Legal Obligations and Mandates: Maharashtra Fire Prevention Act
The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Protection Measures Act, 2006, stipulate the mandatory installation of firefighting equipment in buildings. Section 3 (3) requires the owner or occupier to submit a Fire NOC. Additionally, establishments must submit Form B twice a year, affirming the functionality of their firefighting systems.
Official Appeals and Disciplinary Measures: Urgent Actions Required
Manoj Lonkar, deputy commissioner of PCMC, issued a letter on January 29, urging the civic health department to withhold fresh registrations and renewals of nursing home licenses without Fire NOC and Form B. Non-compliance with these mandatory fire safety procedures poses serious risks and requires immediate attention.
Confirming the urgency of the matter, Dr. Shivaji Dhage, senior medical officer of PCMC, stressed the importance of hospitals conducting fire audits and obtaining Fire NOC promptly. He highlighted the necessity of submitting Form B twice a year to ensure ongoing compliance with firefighting equipment maintenance as prescribed by the Fire Act.
