Indian Health Ministry marks nationwide Fire Safety Week initiative

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Fire Safety Week across India from 21 to 25 April 2025, focusing on the safety of health facilities.

According to the Ministry, the campaign involves collaboration with all States and Union Territories, alongside central Ministries and Departments.

The week-long initiative began with a national pledge ceremony held at Nirman Bhawan, led by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava.

Pledge event gathers over 3,000 participants from health sector

The Ministry reported that more than 3,000 individuals from public and private health institutions attended the event virtually.

Senior Ministry officials participated in the ceremony in person.

The pledge ceremony was accompanied by webinars on emergency evacuation, patient safety strategies, and fire risk management in critical healthcare areas.

Fire preparedness highlighted through training and mock drills

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava said: “Fire and electrical safety in health facilities is essential and must be continuously prioritised.”

She added: “We must ensure that all healthcare workers are trained and that fire preparedness and patient evacuation mock drills are conducted regularly.”

Smt. Srivastava further stated: “Developing a culture of safety within our institutions is necessary to protect lives and reduce risk.”

She called on health institutions across the country to share examples of effective practices to improve fire safety outcomes.

Hospitals urged to undertake audits and awareness activities

The Ministry explained that hospitals are being encouraged to carry out fire audits and host awareness programmes as part of Fire Safety Week.

These activities include poster-making and quizzes, as well as demonstrations of fire detection and suppression systems.

A detailed checklist was sent to all States and Union Territories to guide public and private health facilities on conducting safety assessments.

The Ministry added that medical colleges and tertiary hospitals have been asked to prioritise engagement with the campaign.

Webinars focus on equipment maintenance and evacuation

The Ministry has organised a two-day webinar series addressing prevention, compliance, and operation of fire safety systems in health facilities.

It confirmed that more than 3,000 people have attended the sessions so far.

Topics included maintaining detection and suppression systems, patient evacuation, and mock drills.

Private sector and professional associations invited to participate

The Health Ministry has also reached out to the Indian Medical Association and other central Ministries, encouraging them to support Fire Safety Week activities.

According to the Ministry, these bodies have been asked to engage their branches at State and District levels to extend campaign reach.

Private sector involvement has been highlighted as an important element of the national effort.

Online resources and public engagement via MyGOV

The Ministry reported that it has worked with the MyGOV platform to provide an online pledge and fire safety quiz.

The digital resources are intended to support individual and institutional engagement during the campaign.

Links to the pledge and quiz were shared to increase accessibility and promote awareness among wider audiences.

Ongoing guidance and resources provided to States and UTs

The Ministry stated that it remains engaged with States and Union Territories by issuing advisories, checklists and recommended practices.

These materials are aimed at supporting continuous improvement in fire safety standards in both public and private health facilities.

It reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of patients, visitors and healthcare workers through proactive risk management.

Fire Safety Week in health facilities: Summary

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched Fire Safety Week from 21 to 25 April 2025.

The initiative aims to improve fire prevention and preparedness in Indian healthcare institutions.

A national pledge ceremony was held at Nirman Bhawan and led by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava.

Over 3,000 people from public and private health sectors joined virtually.

Webinars on evacuation, patient safety and high-risk area management were included in the event.

Smt. Srivastava emphasised training, mock drills and safety culture in her address.

Hospitals have been encouraged to conduct audits and organise awareness activities.

A checklist was circulated to all States and Union Territories for implementation.

Webinars covered regulatory compliance and maintenance of safety systems.

The Indian Medical Association and other Ministries were invited to take part.

Online tools such as a pledge and quiz were launched via MyGOV.

The Ministry continues to support health facilities with guidance and resources.