DNA IMPACT: AIIMS issues advisory on fire for ward without NOC

After an exclusive DNA report revealed that the new private ward at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was running without a No-Objection Certificate from the Delhi Fire Services, the hospital issued a four-page advisory on 'precautions against fire accidents at AIIMS'.

The advisory also mentions the latest fire at AIIMS Trauma Centre on March 24.

"In view of the recent fire mishap at JPNATC and the forthcoming summer season, a fire advisory is circulated retreating the onus of responsibilities and implementation thereof. It is only the vigilant stance of each and every staff member of the Institute that can obviate the possibility of a likely fire hazard," stated the advisory.

Last week, DNA had reported about the absence of an NOC. The ward has 60 rooms and has been operational for over a decade. It has been running without an approved plan and was even issued a notice for the shortcomings.

"The two staircases in the ward are blocked. The doors in the ward are not wide enough. We have communicated but the hospital has failed to make any changes. Without the NOC, they should not be running the ward. This is a direct violation of the Fire Services Act," said Abhishek Malik, Divisional Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Services.

In the past few years, AIIMS has witnessed several major and minor fire incidents. The fire on March 24 at the AIIMS trauma centre had to be doused by 24 fire tenders. While no casualties were reported, many patients were shifted to other wards and several others were evacuated. A fire inside the administration block at AIIMS in 2015 had destroyed hundreds of files.