July 4, 2025

Following a building collapse at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, Kerala, the Health department has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of public hospital buildings. With concerns over the structural integrity of aging hospital structures, the Director of Health Services has mandated stringent safety checks across all government hospitals in the state. Immediate safety audits are being conducted to assess the structural stability of hospital buildings, with a report expected to be submitted promptly. District Medical Officers have been tasked with ensuring that unused hospital buildings are empty and safe to prevent any potential disasters. The government, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership, has promised adequate compensation to the family of the victim and reiterated its commitment to enhancing the public health sector's resilience. In light of recent events, the Health Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to prioritize hospital safety in the state. Collaborating with the State Disaster Management Authority, a comprehensive hospital safety plan was devised to address potential risks and prevent accidents in over 1,200 public health institutions. Through workshops and training programs, guidelines and frameworks were established to bolster disaster preparedness and response. The plan aims to categorize and address major disaster risks faced by public hospitals, with local agencies and self-government institutions playing a crucial role in implementing safety measures. Notably, Kerala became the first state in the country to implement a Code Grey protocol to enhance security in hospitals. Formal safety audits and fire drills have been conducted in all public hospitals, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring a safe healthcare environment. With a targeted timeline for hospitals to develop individual safety plans by August, Kerala's healthcare sector is poised for comprehensive safety upgrades and disaster mitigation strategies. By engaging stakeholders at various levels and allocating funds for necessary interventions, the state is striving to create a robust safety framework that prioritizes the well-being of patients and healthcare workers.

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Tags: Building collapse, Hospital safety, Government initiatives, Safety audits, Public health sector, Disaster management,