The Uttarakhand government has decided to take strict security and fire safety measures in all government and private hospitals across the state. Following the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, an important review meeting was held at the Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Secretary of Medical Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar. The meeting directed that fire safety systems will be strengthened in all government and private medical colleges and hospitals, with monthly drills conducted, and periodic safety audits conducted. The Secretary clarified that negligence in hospitals will not be tolerated at any cost, and strict action will be taken against those violating regulations. Present at the review meeting at the Secretariat were Director of Medical Education Dr. Ajay Arya, Principal of Doon Medical College Geeta Jain, Deputy Secretary Jaswinder Kaur, CMS of Doon Medical College Dr. R.S. Bisht, representatives from the UPRL, and relevant officials. *Secretary Issues Strict Instructions Regarding Fire Safety at Doon Medical College* Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar directed the fire safety agency to ensure prompt delivery of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) related to fire hazards. In this regard, the Secretary also verbally requested the Fire Department to take necessary action. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar also directed that sprinklers, motors, and other fire safety equipment be inspected and demoed to ensure preparedness in case of an emergency. He also ordered the Director of Medical Education to conduct monthly fire mock drills in all medical colleges in the state. The Principal of Government Doon Medical College was instructed to hold regular monthly meetings with the executing agency. The executing agency informed the meeting that the fire NOC for the OT building would be transferred by October 30, 2025, and the NOC from the CSSD Department by November 30, 2025. *Statement by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami* Fire safety systems will be strengthened in all government and private medical colleges and hospitals in the state. Further strengthening security in hospitals is essential. Our priority is the safety of patients and hospital staff. The state government will ensure that all hospitals in Uttarakhand operate in accordance with safety standards. Any negligence will not be tolerated. *Statement by Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar* Under the Chief Minister’s direction, safety inspections and fire drills will be intensified in government and private hospitals across the state. Our team will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. We have instructed all district officials and hospital management to ensure the robustness of fire systems, emergency drills, and safety audits in every hospital. Strict action will be taken if any negligence is found. Our aim is to ensure that hospitals in Uttarakhand are completely safe and prepared for emergencies. *Outline of the Statewide Fire Safety Campaign* Fire alarm and sprinkler systems will be inspected in all hospitals. Conduct drills at least once a month and train staff. Periodic safety audits and recordings. Negligence or violations of standards will result in strict action, including administrative and legal action. This campaign is a decisive step by the state government towards ensuring the safety of patients and hospital staff. *A Strong Message to Hospitals* The Uttarakhand government has made it clear that no laxity will be tolerated regarding safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals. Hospital management must submit timely reports and adhere to all safety standards. Through this initiative, the state government has once again conveyed the message that the lives of patients and the safety of hospital staff are paramount. The fire safety audit campaign being conducted across the state will prove crucial in strengthening hospital safety and ensuring emergency preparedness.
