Bhubaneswar: With brazen violation of fire safety norms by SUM Hospital authorities coming to fore following the death of 21 people in Monday’s fire tragedy, another startling discovery has revealed that the government-run Capital Hospital here lacks sprinklers and fire alarm system.
Patients from the neighbouring three/four districts depend on the hospital at Unit VI here. However, hospital authorities are in deep slumber when it comes to complying with fire safety guidelines, sources said.
Although hospital authorities claim the health facility has adequate medical equipment and infrastructure to tackle any emergency, it lacks adequate number of fire extinguishers. Similarly, there are no sprinklers and fire detection alarm system at the hospital. When asked about the shortcomings, Capital Hospital director BB Patnaik said, “There are 55 fire extinguishers installed at several departments here and all are in working condition. We have informed government to install more such equipment. They will be installed after a project estimate is prepared.”
Regarding training of hospital staff to tackle fire mishaps, Patnaik said, “The assistant fire officer has trained employees to operate fire extinguishers. Another round of training will be conducted within a month.”
Currently, the hospital does not have sprinklers, he said. He added that work is in progress for installation of the same in every room of the new building.
“We have apprised the government of the need for installation of sprinklers in every ward,” he added.
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