AIIMS fails deadline to upgrade fire safety measures

In the wake of AMRI blaze in Kolkata last year that left 94 people dead, Delhi Fire Services had issued notices to all city hospitals last December to upgrade their firefighting systems and get NOCs by March 31 this year.

However, AIIMS failed to meet the deadline and has asked for another three months to accomplish the task, official sources said.

The cardiovascular and neuro sciences centre of AIIMS, which houses the VVIP ward, is one of the buildings in the hospital which is still functioning without a 'No-Objection Certificate' from the Delhi Fire Services.

The DFS during an inspection had raised objection in regard to the safety measures in AIIMS, especially in its CTVS centre, officials said.

It was found there was absence of sprinkler system in the buildings, smoke management system and compartmentalising of rooms to prevent spread of fire have not been met, they said.

Besides, there is so much traffic at the exit and entry points that if any mishap occur the crowd itself will become a cause of mass casualty. It is a critical issue and the hospital should take it seriously, they said.