- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:28 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
In an effort to strengthen fire preparedness, Government Doon Medical College Hospital will now conduct fire safety drills every 15 days, hospital authorities said. Security personnel and other contractual staff will receive regular training as part of the initiative.
A fire safety drill was conducted in the hospital’s emergency department on Monday to assess preparedness. The exercise began at 11:30 am, during which 18 personnel, including 10 security staff, were trained.
Participants were instructed on operating the fire pump in auto mode in case of failure, maintaining appropriate water pressure, responding to leakages, and handling emergencies during power outages. The training was conducted outside and behind the emergency department.
Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr NS Bisht said the objective of conducting regular drills is to ensure readiness to handle any fire-related incident. He added that equipment is tested during the drills, and any deficiencies identified are rectified immediately.
The move comes after the hospital failed a fire safety audit conducted by the Fire Department in May last year. Despite crores of rupees being spent on fire safety measures, the fire system was found to be non-functional.
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During the audit, the automatic fire pump in the emergency department and operating theatres was found defective, while the pump’s battery failed to function when tested. Several fire extinguishers were also found to be faulty. Similar shortcomings were flagged during inspections in 2024.
Hospital authorities said periodic training and equipment checks are now being carried out to address all previously identified lapses and ensure compliance with fire safety norms.
