DNA: Mumbai: Sunday, July 01, 2012.
Known to provide critical care to people, city hospitals, it seems, are in dire need of the same. As per details given under the RTI Act, most city hospitals are in desperate need of fire safety measures.
Of the 67 inspected by the fire department, in December 2011 and May 2012, a report states most haven’t complied with suggestions given to correct the deficiencies in their fire safety measures.
Of the 13 hospitals run by the state and central governments, only Worli’s INS Ashvini and ESIS hospitals implemented the measures suggested. Most others, including all run by the JJ Group, didn’t. Two hospitals run by WR and CR in Mumbai Central and Byculla too were found lacking in compliance.
An inspection of civic hospitals showed that of the 17 inspected, only Ghatkopar’s Rajawadi and Muktabai hospitals had complied. Among private hospitals, KJ Somaiya, SevenHills, Kalsekar and BSES hospitals hadn’t complied. A total of 17 had not corrected minor deficiencies, while 16 had taken care of all the deficiencies pointed out.
“It’s incredible that despite pointing out the problems, hospitals haven’t bothered to implement the measures suggested,” said Chetan Kothari, RTI activist.
Hospitals, however, rejected the allegations. Dr Ashok Asthana, vice-president, operations, SevenHills Hospitals, said, “We have complied with everything. We have the most advanced fire-fighting systems.” KJ Somaiya hospital officials said the same.
Raj Bhugra, BSES hospital administrator, said, “We have taken care of all deficiencies, including smoke detectors, alarms, clearing of the passages and signages.”
BMC, too, denied allegations. Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner, said, “All hospitals have first-level safety in place.” Acting dean of JJ group of hospitals Ashok Rathod said, “Our department concerned will take action.”
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