NEW DELHI — The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially commenced a nationwide Fire Safety Week (May 4–10, 2026). The initiative, led by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, marks a major push to overhaul safety protocols across India’s healthcare infrastructure.
The week began with a national pledge centered on the theme: “Fire Safety in Health Facilities,” emphasizing that institutional safety is a shared responsibility between the government, healthcare workers, and the public.
Launch of National Fire Safety Guidelines (2026)
A central highlight of the observance is the unveiling of the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026). These standards provide a comprehensive framework for fire prevention and response, with a specific focus on high-risk zones:
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Critical Care Units: Enhanced protocols for ICUs, NICUs, and PICUs, where patient mobility is limited.
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Surgical Suites: Specialized safety measures for Operation Theatres (OTs).
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Infrastructure & Governance: Detailed requirements for risk assessment, emergency response systems, and compliance mechanisms.
Strengthening Preparedness and Compliance
Government officials emphasized that the week is not merely ceremonial but serves as a period for rigorous action:
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Mandatory Audits: All public and private facilities are directed to conduct thorough fire and electrical safety audits using an updated ministry checklist.
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Digital Tracking: States are urged to upload audit details to the IHIP portal to institutionalize compliance and transparency.
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Training & Capacity Building: Over 50,000 healthcare professionals have already completed fire safety courses via the iGOT platform. Regional programs led by the NDMA will further train staff in evacuation and suppression techniques.
Nationwide Activities
Throughout the week, healthcare institutions across India will participate in:
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Mock Drills & Demonstrations: Live exercises on using fire suppression equipment and executing patient evacuations.
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Educational Outreach: Technical webinars, quizzes, and poster competitions in medical colleges to foster a “safety-first” culture.
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Public Participation: Leveraging Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) to ensure a sustained impact on society’s fire awareness.
Director General (Fire Services) Shri Sunil Kumar Jha noted: “Hospitals are highly sensitive environments where even minor lapses can have severe consequences. Coordination and continuous vigilance are key.”
The Ministry has called upon all States and Union Territories to adopt these 2026 guidelines “in letter and spirit” to create a resilient healthcare ecosystem for patients and workers alike.
