Why Fire in ICU's & OT's

This is not just another webinar…It is a serious reflection on a growing national concern — hospital fires. Let us begin with some hard facts: In the last 3 years (2023–2026), India has reported 100+ major hospital fire incidents across states. These incidents have led to over 90–100 reported deaths, including newborns, ICU patients, and critical care occupants. More than 60% of these fires are caused by electrical failures. Recently, at SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack (Odisha), a fire incident once again exposed the vulnerability of our healthcare infrastructure. While casualties were avoided due to timely evacuation, the risk remains extremely high. Why are ICUs and Operation Theatres becoming high-risk zones? These are the most sensitive environments where: Life-support systems run continuously High electrical loads are concentrated Even a minor fault can escalate instantly Yet, we continue to see: Inadequate electrical design Improper earthing and protection systems Overloaded circuits Lack of periodic testing and audits Poor adherence to standards The National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE) is taking a leadership role by promoting the National Electrical Code of India 2023. Through 190+ webinars, workshops, and awareness programs, NFE is spreading knowledge on: Safe design of medical electrical systems Best practices for installation and maintenance Compliance requirements for critical locations like ICU & OT The Code is not just a guideline it is a life-saving framework. Hospital fires are not accidents—they are preventable failures.