Bhubaneswar: Authorities have come up with a standard operating procedure to avoid fire mishaps in state-run hospitals here.

The health and family welfare department has sought co-operation of the works and fire services department to help the health providers comply with the same.

The decision comes in the backdrop of back-to-back fire mishaps in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in the recent past. "We will conduct periodic inspections of the hospital buildings and organise mock drills and training for the officials," said a health department official.

Health department principal secretary Pramod Meherda wrote to the works and fire services department, asking for their co-operation. "Fire or electrical accident in a health institution is a matter of concern as it endangers the life and safety of patients. In this regard, I request you to take early necessary action to prevent such mishaps," wrote Meherda.

According to the procedure, there will be periodic inspections of electrical installations and wiring system in the hospitals. Works department engineers and electrical inspectors will conduct the inspections in every six months. A report will be prepared based on the findings, and the health department will take the corrective measures immediately.

Besides, each hospital will come up with their respective action plan to deal with fire. They will also take steps to conduct mock drill and train their workers. The health department will provide hand-holding support to the institutions in this regard. "The hospital administrator will draft their own action plan based on their size and evacuation capacity," said the official.

The health and family welfare department will also inspect the hospitals to check on the availability of fire fighting equipment. "Immediate steps will be taken to procure and install the fire safety equipment. Funds of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti will be utilised for the purpose," stated Meherda.

Officials will put special emphasis on the availability of safe passage for inmates during any such incidents. Accordingly, there will be designated duty list for the officers and ramps for stretchers. There will not be any permanent lock that inhibits passage, blocking of exists by furniture or partition will be checked and exit passages will be properly marked to guide the people.