Directive by Uttar Pradesh Government:
Uttar Pradesh Government has issued strict directives to ensure the well-being of patients and staff in state-run hospitals to enhance hospital safety. One key measure is the prohibition of coil-based heaters, a step aimed at reducing the risk of fire hazards, which tend to increase during the winter months due to their frequent use.
Dr. N.B. Singh, Chief Medical Officer of Lucknow, stated that all hospitals have been directed to ban the use of coil-based heaters on their premises and ensure that generator sets remain fully operational. He underscored the importance of functional generators in sustaining critical services, such as water pumps, particularly during power outages that may result from fire incidents.
To further strengthen safety protocols and ensure preparedness for cold wave conditions, senior doctors have been directed to conduct inspections three times a day, specifically at 7:00 AM, 8:00 PM, and 11:00 PM, to monitor electrical safety and address any emerging concerns.
Coil-based heaters are now strictly banned across hospital premises, including wards and night shelters for attendants. In their place, the use of halogen-based heaters or warmers is recommended whenever heating is necessary. Hospitals are also required to maintain a sufficient power supply to support the use of electric heaters and must avoid unsafe practices such as using extension cords or relying on loose connections. These directives were issued by Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary of Medical Health, to divisional commissioners, health department officials, and the heads of all government hospitals.
To ensure the effective implementation of safety protocols, each hospital is required to establish a dedicated team under the leadership of a nodal officer, as directed by Sharma. Additionally, hospital staff will be trained to manage emergencies that may arise during the cold wave expected in the coming weeks.
This heightened focus on safety follows a tragic incident on November 15, 2024 when a fire caused by a short circuit at Jhansi Medical College led to the loss of more than 10 children’s lives. In response, the state’s health and medical education department has strengthened its commitment to electrical safety in all 167 district-level hospitals and other state-run medical institutions.
The guidelines also address a recurring concern: attendants often bring coil-based heaters to stay warm, connecting them to inappropriate electrical outlets. This poses a serious hazard since coil-based heaters demand higher currents than the standard 5-ampere supply can handle, significantly raising the risk of short circuits.
Dr. Singh further noted that these guidelines will be regularly reinforced throughout the winter season to ensure strict compliance and minimize the risk of mishaps.
Additionally, the directives emphasize preparing for a likely increase in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular conditions, and other winter-related illnesses. Hospitals have been urged to raise public awareness about common seasonal health issues and provide guidance on effective prevention measures.
Source of Information : https://medicalbuyer.co.in/up-bans-coil-based-heaters-to-enhance-safety-in-hospitals/
