NationalFriday, 3 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Centre orders fire safety audits in all hospitals by 31 July 2026; IHIP reporting made mandatory
The Union Health Ministry has asked all States and UTs to complete fire safety audits of public and private hospitals by July 31 and upload findings on IHIP.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed all States and Union Territories to complete fire safety audits of public and private healthcare facilities by 31 July and upload the findings on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
Key specifics
- Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava issued the letter to all States and UTs.
- 4,083 secondary-level public and private hospitals had reported completed fire safety audits on the IHIP portal during May 2026.
- The special drive covers both public hospitals and private hospitals, including nursing homes.
- Monthly fire safety audits have been asked for through the IHIP portal.
- High-risk areas named in the order include ICUs, NICUs, nurseries and other critical care units.
Exam lens
Polity and governance question type: match the institution with the directive, IHIP, 31 July 2026, Punya Salila Srivastava, and the 4,083-hospital audit figure are the key facts; TNPSC may ask which ministry ordered monthly hospital fire audits.