New Delhi [India], May 6 : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP National President JP Nadda on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for nationwide preparedness in the health sector to manage disasters and fire hazards, saying that "real change is possible" and that everyone has a "role to play".
He was addressing the 2nd National Workshop on Health Disaster Preparedness and Fire Safety.
Nadda stated, "Real change is possible, if we act in time. Everyone here has a role to play. By focusing on training, preparedness, and digital dissemination through iGOT, we can strengthen the resilience of the health sector."
The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform is a government initiative designed to provide online training and build the capacity of public officials, aiming to improve their skills and effectiveness in serving citizens.
He added, "I congratulate the Health Department for organizing this Second National Workshop on Disaster Preparedness and Fire Safety in the Health Sector. Special thanks to Shri Rajendra Singh of the National Disaster Management Authority for his valuable input in strengthening the content of the workshop."
Highlighting the workshop's nationwide coordination, he noted, "This national workshop is being conducted in coordination with states and union territories. I've been informed that many people are watching this program from other halls via screens -- I thank them for their participation."
He praised the evolving approach of the Health Ministry, "This second workshop clearly reflects how the health department is moving forward in terms of preparedness for disasters. Earlier, we only issued circulars or did brief audits before summer, but now we realize that deeper engagement is needed."
Emphasizing the need to sensitize all health professionals, Nadda said, "We need to sensitize healthcare workers, practitioners, and those involved in the health system. That's the objective of this workshop."
"Our effort is to make healthcare facilities both resilient and resistant. Importantly, this is not just for government hospitals, but for all health facilities -- including private hospitals, nursing homes, polyclinics, maternity centers, and primary healthcare facilities," he added.
The minister stressed that the scope of preparedness must extend beyond conventional institutions, "Training must go beyond hospitals and extend to every type of facility, including Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers."
Nadda warned of the specific hazards prevalent in healthcare environments, stating, "We have greater responsibility because we work with high-load equipment, flammable materials, oxygen (which is lifesaving but also flammable), other gases, chemicals, and hand sanitizers. We must follow all protocols. Disasters can be prevented."
He also highlighted the need for inclusive responsibility, "There are patients on life-support, pregnant women, children, and disabled individuals in hospitals -- so our responsibilities are immense. It's not just the job of directors or superintendents, but of all workers at every level."
"Dissemination of information, detailed training, and practical application are key. Confidence comes not from theory alone, but from hands-on practice," he said.
He called for a wider adoption of the workshop model.
He said, "This workshop should not be limited to the national level. States and UTs must adopt it, and not just for government hospitals, but for private ones too."
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on regular safety audits, Nadda stated, "Prime Minister Modi has also stressed the need for regular safety audits."
He lauded the observance of Fire Safety Week, noting, "I congratulate the Health Department for organizing Fire Safety Week across the nation from April 21 to April 25. We hope states will also hold awareness workshops during May and implement fire safety drills and compliance training at the district level."
He said, "I am pleased to hear that states and UTs played a proactive role during Fire Safety Week, and they will be felicitated today. Congratulations to those receiving awards -- and to those who are not, I urge you to empower yourselves and participate fully in this mission."
Nadda highlighted the role of digital learning, mentioning, "We have developed excellent modules on iGOT covering prevention, preparedness, and risk mitigation. Every health worker should use these modules and complete the training, which includes everything from patient evacuation to mock drills."
"The Health Department must monitor who has completed this training and ensure that everyone does, so we are fully prepared," he added.
"This is a commendable initiative, and I trust that the National Disaster Management Authority, with Rajendra Singh ji's support, will continue to work with us hand in hand to improve health safety across the nation," he added.