NGO seeks inquiry into Kozhikode medical college hospital fire

Kochi: Jana Neethi Samrakshana Vedi (JNSV), an NGO fighting against medical negligence, has said that a detailed inquiry should be conducted into the Kozhikode medical college hospital fire incident after numerous allegations arose about safety violations in the construction of the new building.
In a communication to the chief minister and the health minister, JNSV chairperson Suchitra S said that as there were reports that the construction of the new building did not adhere to the required safety standards, it is imperative to investigate these claims thoroughly to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.
She said that the incident raises serious questions about the safety protocols in place for storing and handling batteries within the building. "Were the batteries stored in a safe and secure manner? Were the necessary precautions taken to prevent such explosions?" she asked.
The letter to the govt said that the evacuation process during the emergency was highly inadequate. "The lack of proper safety measures for evacuation during emergencies is alarming and needs immediate rectification. It is crucial to review and enhance the existing evacuation plans to ensure the safety of all occupants. There was no timely evacuation during the emergency, and this accelerated the seriousness of the incident," the letter said.