TMC starts fire audit, sans Kalwa Hospital

Three years ago, the diligent citizens residing in the municipal limits of Thane, had filed a petition in the Mumbai High Court, alleging that a hospital in the city did not comply with the firefighting rules laid down by the fire department. At that time, the court had given clear instructions to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) asking whether the hospitals follow the fire fighting rules. During the inspection of hospitals in the city at that time, it was clear that many hospitals had violated the rules. Notices were also sent to hospitals regarding the closure of several hospitals in the city. Action could not be taken at the time due to pressure from some political leaders. The issue has come up again after a fire broke out at a government hospital in Bhandara last week leaving 10 children dead. Against this backdrop, the fire safety issue of the Thane hospital has resurfaced.

Most of the private hospitals in the city are in unauthorized buildings. A separate staircase is required for the hospital. Hospitals are required to maintain fire extinguishing systems. However it is observed that the majority of the hospitals are violating the norms. For instance, the municipal hospital in Kalwa has a usage license, but the hospital does not have a no-objection certificate from the fire brigade, an official said.

Though these hospitals have been running smoothly for over many years, a doctor, who has requested anonymity, has expressed fear in case of unfortunate turn of events.