New Delhi: The fire that engulfed a multi-speciality hospital in Delhi’s Sagarpur on Sunday night, forcing the rescue of 15 patients, has once again exposed a disturbing reality — a vast majority of nursing homes and hospitals in the national capital continue to operate without mandatory fire safety clearance.

While no casualties were reported in the Sagarpur incident, the blaze has reignited concerns over the alarming state of fire preparedness in Delhi’s healthcare facilities, where patients seeking treatment may themselves be trapped in unsafe buildings.

Data placed before the Delhi High Court during proceedings in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) paints a grim picture. Of nearly 1,000 nursing homes and hospitals functioning across Delhi, only 196 possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). The remaining 804 establishments are reportedly operating without the mandatory clearance, raising serious questions about enforcement and public safety.

The issue gained prominence after the devastating fire at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar on May 25, 2024, which claimed the lives of seven newborns. Following the tragedy, authorities made it mandatory for nursing homes to obtain fire clearance and initiated a citywide survey of healthcare facilities.

However, the move soon ran into legal hurdles after nursing home operators approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that facilities functioning in mixed land-use areas should not be subjected to stringent fire safety norms. The court rejected the plea, making it clear that patient safety cannot be compromised.

According to Delhi Medical Association President Dr. Girish Tyagi, the bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the Delhi Fire Service and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to constitute a joint committee to inspect all nursing homes in the city. The committee was asked to assess whether basic fire-fighting equipment and safety systems were in place and submit its findings to the court. The court also directed authorities to frame clear guidelines governing the grant of fire NOCs.

According to Delhi Fire Service official, the absence of finalized guidelines has stalled the issuance of new fire clearances, leaving hundreds of facilities in regulatory limbo. The DFS has reportedly informed the court that a comprehensive survey will begin once the guidelines are formally notified.

The High Court has repeatedly flagged serious violations of fire safety norms in hospitals and nursing homes, particularly in the aftermath of the Vivek Vihar tragedy. The incident exposed glaring lapses, including operation of a 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit against a licence for only five beds, absence of fire safety equipment, excessive storage of oxygen cylinders and deployment of inadequately qualified staff.

The concern is not new. Following the Hauz Rani fire tragedy that claimed 23 lives, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, directed the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and civic agencies to launch a coordinated enforcement drive against nursing homes, hotels, coaching centres and social gathering venues violating safety norms. Authorities were instructed to seal establishments found flouting regulations and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

A History of Hospital Fires

Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure has witnessed a series of fire incidents over the years, repeatedly exposing gaps in compliance and preparedness.

Baby Care New Born Hospital, Vivek Vihar (May 25, 2024):
Seven newborns died after a massive fire ripped through the neonatal intensive care unit. Multiple oxygen cylinder explosions intensified the blaze, which spread to adjoining buildings. Investigators later uncovered widespread safety violations.

Lok Nayak Hospital (February 26, 2024):
A short circuit triggered a fire in the emergency block. Although no casualties were reported due to timely evacuation, subsequent inspections highlighted deficiencies including blocked staircases and malfunctioning fire-fighting systems.

Infant Care Centre, Dwarka (June 9, 2023):
A fire broke out in the basement of a three-storey building housing an infant care facility. Nineteen infants were rescued safely after a major firefighting operation.

AIIMS Delhi (2023):
A major fire in the old OPD building and teaching block forced the evacuation of more than 100 patients. Prompt action prevented casualties.

Delhi Kidney Hospital, Dabri (June 15, 2026):
The latest incident occurred when a fire broke out in an electrical panel on the ground floor late Sunday night. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and no injuries were reported.

As Delhi continues to witness repeated hospital fires, the Sagarpur incident serves as yet another warning that regulatory delays, weak enforcement and poor compliance could turn healthcare facilities into death traps.

The question now confronting authorities is whether another tragedy will be required before fire safety norms are enforced across the capital’s healthcare network.

(Cover Representative AI Generated Image)