New Delhi, May 3: The Union Health Ministry is set to launch a nationwide initiative to strengthen fire safety awareness and preparedness across healthcare institutions. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava will inaugurate the pan-India ‘Fire Safety Week’ on May 4, in collaboration with all states, Union Territories, and Central Ministries. The observance will continue until May 10.

According to an official statement, the week-long campaign will feature a series of awareness and preparedness activities aimed at preventing fire hazards and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. As part of the inaugural event, a pledge on “Fire Safety in Health Facilities” will be administered by the Health Secretary, reaffirming the commitment of stakeholders to safeguard patients, healthcare workers, and critical infrastructure.

During the observance, states and Union Territories will conduct awareness campaigns, mock drills, and capacity-building initiatives. Dissemination of fire safety protocols will be a key component, with healthcare personnel and administrators being sensitised on fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation procedures.

The Ministry emphasised that the initiative underscores its continued commitment to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across all levels of the healthcare delivery system. By promoting robust fire safety mechanisms, the campaign seeks to minimise risks and ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

The launch of ‘Fire Safety Week’ comes shortly after another significant step by the Health Ministry in strengthening public healthcare services. At a recent national summit, the Ministry released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines, marking a major advancement in India’s flagship child health screening programme.

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The updated framework builds on more than a decade of implementation, expanding its scope to address emerging child health priorities. Reinforcing the established 4Ds approach - Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays - the new guidelines also incorporate non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, and behavioural concerns.

Together, the launch of ‘Fire Safety Week’ and the release of RBSK 2.0 highlight the Ministry’s dual focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and addressing evolving health challenges. Both initiatives reflect a broader vision of ensuring safety, resilience, and comprehensive care within India’s healthcare system.