The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal on Monday commenced the observance of Fire Safety Week 2026, which will continue till May 10, in line with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The week-long programme was inaugurated through a hybrid event with the formal launch by the Secretary (Health). The inaugural session featured the administration of the Pan-India Fire Safety Pledge and the release of fire and life safety guidelines. An online pledge and quiz were also organised to encourage wider participation.

A series of activities was conducted on the opening day to promote fire safety awareness and strengthen emergency preparedness among healthcare professionals, staff and students. These included internal fire safety audits with reporting through the IHIP portal, poster-making competitions, quizzes for nursing staff, evacuation demonstrations, and capacity-building sessions on fire safety. Specialised training was also provided to personnel in critical care areas such as ICU, NICU, PICU and operation theatres, along with sensitisation programmes for electrical staff and training for housekeeping and security personnel on fire prevention and response.

All departments, faculty members, staff and students actively took part in the programmes, reflecting a collective effort towards effective implementation of fire safety practices. The initiative aims to enhance awareness, improve safety standards and foster a culture of fire prevention and preparedness within healthcare institutions and the broader community.