A fire outbreak in the laundry section of SVP Hospital (SVP Hospital or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research) in Ahmedabad’s Ellisbridge area on Monday morning, just a day after another fire at Vrundavan Children’s Hospital near Paldi crossroads, has raised significant concerns regarding fire safety in healthcare facilities.
The blaze started around 9 a.m., caused by an electrical fault near an electric duct, quickly spreading smoke but causing no injuries. Prompt response from hospital staff and firefighters controlled the fire within 20 minutes. Both hospitals safely evacuated patients, and detailed investigations into the causes of these consecutive fires are ongoing.
Quick Intervention Prevents Disaster
At SVP Hospital, the fire was first detected by hospital staff who immediately alerted the authorities. The Ahmedabad Fire Department responded swiftly, dispatching three fire tenders from the nearby Navrangpura fire station. SVP Hospital’s own fire officer was already tackling the situation, containing the smoke and flames before reinforcements arrived.
The hospital’s CEO, Saurabh Patel, confirmed there was no actual blaze but rather thick smoke in the laundry building. He noted, “Our fire officer began operations immediately. There was no major damage or injuries.” As a precaution, power supply to the laundry section was cut off. Entry to the hospital was restricted temporarily, ensuring patient safety during the firefighting and smoke evacuation process.
Similarly, the Vrundavan Children’s Hospital near Paldi crossroads experienced a fire in the consultation room the previous day. Thirteen individuals, including eight children, were safely evacuated by hospital staff before firefighters extinguished the flames.
No casualties or injuries were reported in either incident, highlighting the effectiveness of emergency preparedness despite infrastructure challenges.
Unfolding Pattern Raises Safety Concerns
The occurrence of two hospital fires in Ahmedabad within 24 hours underscores potential systemic issues related to fire safety standards and electrical maintenance in medical institutions. Early reports indicate both incidents likely originated from electrical faults – a suspected short circuit in an air-conditioner unit at Vrundavan Hospital and an electrical duct near the laundry section at SVP Hospital.
Such faults can escalate quickly in environments with extensive electrical wiring and equipment, especially in high-demand healthcare settings.
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services, along with local police, have launched investigations to thoroughly assess these incidents. Fire safety inspections are expected to intensify across hospitals citywide to identify vulnerabilities.
Health authorities and electricity department officials have urged all hospitals to intensify regular maintenance protocols, conduct electrical inspections, and ensure functional fire detection and suppression systems. These safety measures are critical in the backdrop of rising power loads during seasonal temperature fluctuations, which could increase electrical faults.
Impact on Healthcare Facilities and Communities
Fire incidents in hospitals pose a unique threat, not only due to the risk to patients’ lives but also because of potential disruption to critical healthcare services. Hospitals continue providing essential care, including emergency treatments, surgeries, and long-term patient care, even during crises. The recent SVP and Vrundavan incidents, though resolved quickly, demonstrate how rapidly fires can spread and disrupt hospital operations.
The psychological impact on patients, their families, and healthcare workers cannot be understated. Evacuations, smoke inhalation risks, and uncertainty during such events add to stress faced by vulnerable groups. These incidents spotlight the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness plans encompassing fire safety drills, staff training, and efficient communication systems to ensure safety and minimise panic.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The consecutive fires at Ahmedabad hospitals reflect an urgent call for systemic reform in fire safety across healthcare institutions, especially those catering to large populations in busy urban centres. While the swift response of firefighters and hospital staff prevented casualties, such events expose the fragility of current infrastructure and regulatory oversight.
The Logical Indian believes that ensuring safety in healthcare settings is a non-negotiable priority that demands immediate action, including updated electrical installations, modern fire detection and suppression technology, routine safety audits, and transparent accountability mechanisms. Beyond infrastructure, cultivating a culture of safety awareness and preparedness among staff, patients, and administrators is essential.
