Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
After the tragic fire in Jhansi Medical College last Friday, which claimed the lives of 10 children, the health department of Udham Singh Nagar has taken swift action to enhance fire safety measures.
The Government Medical College in district headquarters, Rudrapur has been equipped with an advanced automatic fire alarm system. “The alarm will activate as soon as fire danger is detected, ensuring immediate response,” said Dr K.S. Shahi, Principal of the college. Warning devices and a control panel have also been installed to detect and respond to potential fire hazards, triggering an alarm to alert the security agency for prompt action.
The fire department has inspected and approved the fire safety arrangements at the medical college, issuing a no-objection certificate (NOC). “We conduct monthly fire safety training sessions for the staff to ensure readiness during emergencies,” Dr Shahi added.
Meanwhile, the JL Nehru district hospital is addressing its fire safety vulnerabilities. Although equipped with basic safety tools, it lacks an automatic fire alarm system. To improve safety in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), an emergency exit door is being constructed. “Currently, there is only one door in the SNCU, but an additional exit is being created for the swift evacuation of children and attendants in emergencies,” said Dr K.K. Agarwal, PMS of the hospital, adding that efforts are also underway to install an alarm system in the district hospital also to further bolster fire safety and prevent untoward incidents.
