AMRI probe committee report submitted

Kolkata, Dec 28: The West Bengal government on Wednesday received the report of the committee it had set up to inquire into the AMRI Hospital fire along with recommendations. The probe was instituted by the Disaster Management Ministry of the state government.

Disclosing some features of the report of the probe committee, led by ADG Fire Services D P Biswas, Disaster Management minister Javed Khan said that the recommendation would be transformed into guidelines in consulatation with the chief minister.

The report has suggested to make license for use of LPG as mandatory, besides incorporating a shutdown provision in AC duct to stop spread of smoke through AC duct. The mock fire drill has been made mandatory once in every three months, besides setting up an alternative lighting arrangement. Floor number and fire arrangement has to be displayed in each and every floor of the hospital and other establishements.

Electrical wiring has to be concealed or should pass through covered shaft and basement could never be used as godown. Appointment of a Fire Safety Officer in each hospital and other establishments has been made mandatory.

Such officers would be trained by the Fire department, the minister said. All hospitals and other establishments must have lifts as well as ramp for easy and faster movement of patients. Also the lifts as well as the patient wards should have separate and alternative power supply as an emergency arrangement, Khan said.

The committee visited about 40 private and state-run hospitals, besides other establishments before preparing the report.

PTI