ESIC circular Pt.W-11/12/1/MISC/2017-PMD (328623) · 21 May 2026
Official title
Strengthening of Fire Safety preparedness, emergency response systems and statutory compliances in ESIC Healthcare Institutions - reg
Official record
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The Employees' State Insurance Corporation mandates strict fire and life safety compliance across all its establishments. Heads of institutions must conduct fire safety assessments and internal audits using the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare checklist. Facilities must rectify all safety deficiencies, renew expired Fire No Objection Certificates, and ensure fire protection systems remain functional. Staff must maintain clear evacuation routes and conduct regular mock drills. Institutions must inspect electrical systems in critical areas like ICUs and operation theaters to prevent fire hazards. All heads of institutions must submit a consolidated Action Taken Report to the Headquarters within 15 days. Negligence in implementing these safety measures will result in accountability for the concerned heads of institutions.
What you must do
Key dates
Who is affected
If you do not comply
File no.Pt.W-11/12/1/MISC/2017-PMD (328623) date:-#Approved Date# To, All Medical Superintendents, ESIC Hospitals/Model Hospitals/Super Specialty Hospitals. All Deans, ESIC Medical/Dental/Paramedical Colleges, All RDs./Regional offices All SROs I/c- SROs
Subject: Strengthening of Fire Safety preparedness, emergency response systems and statutory compliances in ESIC Healthcare Institutions – reg. Ref.:- (i) MoHFW D.O. No. Z.28015/06/2025-DMCell dated 17.04.2026 regarding observance of “Fire Safety Week 2026”. (ii) ESIC Hqrs. letter No. Pt.W-11/12/1/MISC/2017-PMD dated 06.02.2026 regarding Fire Safety Compliance for all ESI Establishments- Review of Actions & Preventive Measures.
Sir/Madam, Kindly refer to ESIC Headquarters letter dated 06.02.2026 and earlier instructions issued from time to time regarding mandatory compliance of Fire and Life Safety measures in all ESIC establishments (copy enclosed for reference). However, Fire & Life Safety Compliance Reports from most of the Institutions/Hospitals/RO Offices are still yet to be received. Concerned offices are requested to submit the same at the earliest for further necessary compilation.
In this context, attention is also invited to D.O. No. Z.28015/06/2025-DMCell dated 17.04.2026 issued by the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India regarding the observance of ‘Fire Safety Week 2026’ in healthcare facilities across the country in coordination with the Directorate General Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs.( Copy enclosed) The theme prescribed for the observance is as under:- “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society- Together for Fire Prevention.” Since, the matter of fire and life safety in hospitals is of utmost importance, particularly in healthcare institutions where critically ill, vulnerable, elderly, neonatal and bedridden patients are dependent upon uninterrupted medical care and timely emergency response Pt.W-11/12/1/MISC/2017-PMD I/3917451/2026
systems. Any lapse in fire prevention, detection, evacuation preparedness or emergency management may lead to irreparable loss of precious human lives, disruption of healthcare services and damage to vital public infrastructure. Recent fire incidents in healthcare facilities across the country have highlighted the serious risks arising out of electrical faults, short circuits, overloading, non-functional fire detection/suppression systems, blocked evacuation routes and inadequate preparedness. Such incidents necessitate continuous vigilance, strict adherence to fire safety norms and proactive institutional preparedness at every level. In this regard, all Medical Superintendents, Deans and Heads of Institutions are requested to accord TOP MOST PRIORITY to fire and life safety compliances and ensure that comprehensive preventive, preparedness and mitigation measures are implemented without any delay as per the direction issued by hqrs. office time to time. Accordingly, the following actions shall be now ensured by all concerned institutions including all ROs, SROs, DCBOs, BOs etc.:-
(iii) Preventive maintenance, testing and servicing of all MEP systems/equipment shall be mandatorily ensured under Annual Repair & Maintenance (ARM) works,& AMC/CMC services as per GFR provision only, as applicable. The same shall be carried out and strictly monitored only by competent Electrical Engineers/authorized technical personnel to ensure compliance, safe operation and prevention of electrical and fire safety hazards. 6. Means of Escape & Evacuation Preparedness:- Corridors, staircases, fire exits, ramps, refuge areas and evacuation routes shall remain free from obstruction/storage at all times. Emergency evacuation plans and signage shall be prominently displayed and periodically reviewed. 7. Fire Mock Drills & Capacity Building: - Regular fire evacuation mock drills, awareness programmes and staff sensitization/training programmes shall be conducted involving doctors, nursing staff, paramedics, housekeeping, security and other support staff, with proper documentation and corrective follow-up action. 8. Critical Areas & Medical Gas Safety: - Special attention shall be given to ICUs, NICUs, OTs, oxygen manifold rooms, medical gas pipeline systems, HVAC systems, DG sets, electrical rooms and other high-risk areas from fire safety perspective. 9. Monitoring & Institutional Responsibility:- Institutional mechanisms for regular monitoring/review of fire safety preparedness shall be strengthened. Concerned Engineering, Administration, Security and Housekeeping Wings shall work in close coordination to ensure full compliance of prescribed safety norms. 10. Action Taken Report:- A consolidated Action Taken Report indicating present status of fire safety preparedness, validity of Fire NOC, details of audits/mock drills conducted, deficiencies identified and corrective measures undertaken may be submitted to Headquarters within 15 days from issuance of this letter stipulated time for review and monitoring purposes. 11. Documentation of Activities:- Photographs/videos of awareness activities, mock drills and other initiatives undertaken in connection with Fire Safety may also be documented and disseminated through official communication/social media channels, as advised by MoHFW. 12. All Heads of Institutions shall personally ensure strict compliance of the above directions and maintain continuous oversight on fire and life safety preparedness. Any lapse, negligence, delay or deficiency in implementation of prescribed safety measures shall be treated seriously and attract accountability.
The matter may be treated as MOST URGENT. This issue with the approval of the Competent Authority. Pt.W-11/12/1/MISC/2017-PMD I/3917451/2026
Encl: As above. Your Faithfully
MANISH KUMAR SAHU EXECUTIVE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Copy to:-
