New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with States and Union Territories, has officially launched Fire Safety Week 2026, observed from 4th May to 10th May 2026, with a strong focus on improving fire safety standards across healthcare facilities in India.
The nationwide initiative, conducted under the theme “Fire Safety in Health Facilities,” aims to reinforce preparedness, prevention, and rapid response systems in hospitals, medical colleges, and other healthcare institutions.
Nationwide pledge marks inauguration of Fire Safety Week 2026
The observance of Fire Safety Week 2026 began with a nationwide pledge ceremony led by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava. She emphasized that ensuring fire-safe hospitals and institutions is a collective responsibility requiring active participation from all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.
She highlighted that the theme—“Safe Schools, Safe Hospitals, and a Fire-Safety Aware Society: Together for Fire Prevention”—reflects the need for continuous vigilance and system-wide improvements during Fire Safety Week 2026.
Focus on audits, training, and preparedness
During the launch event, the Health Secretary stressed the importance of regular fire safety audits and urged all States and healthcare facilities to upload audit details on the IHIP portal. She noted that such steps will strengthen compliance and accountability throughout Fire Safety Week 2026 and beyond.
She also pointed out that more than 50,000 participants have already completed the iGOT fire safety training programme, calling for further scaling up of capacity-building efforts among healthcare professionals.
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NDMA stresses proactive safety systems
Shri Krishna S. Vatsa, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), underlined the need for a proactive and structured approach to fire safety in hospitals. He announced regional and state-level programmes to support implementation during Fire Safety Week 2026.
He emphasized self-certification mechanisms, regular inspections, and well-practiced evacuation procedures as key pillars of hospital safety systems.
National Fire and Life Safety Guidelines launched
On the occasion of Fire Safety Week 2026, the government also launched the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026). These guidelines provide a detailed framework covering governance, risk assessment, infrastructure planning, emergency response, and staff training.
Special focus has been given to high-risk areas such as ICUs, NICUs, PICUs, and operation theatres, where strict safety protocols are essential.
Nationwide drills and awareness campaigns
A series of activities have been planned under Fire Safety Week 2026, including mock drills, fire audits, live demonstrations of safety equipment, evacuation exercises, and technical webinars.
States and Union Territories have been directed to ensure strict fire and electrical safety audits in all healthcare institutions, both public and private. Awareness activities such as competitions, training sessions, and hands-on demonstrations are also being conducted to promote safety consciousness.
The Ministry has called on all stakeholders to actively participate in Fire Safety Week 2026 and adopt the newly issued guidelines in both spirit and practice. The initiative aims to build a safer, more resilient, and better-prepared healthcare system across India.