Evacuating patients
The tragic death of at least 22 people and injuries caused to dozens of others in the SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar on Monday throws up the question: what lessons were learnt from the AMRI Hospital fire in Kolkata that claimed over 90 victims five years ago? Was the hospital fire fighting system activated immediately and were emergency measures taken to evacuate (खाली कराना/निकालना) patients? These and other aspects (पहलू/पक्ष) of the incident must be addressed by an impartial (निष्पक्ष/न्यायी) investigation. If each deadly fire in a medical facility provided lessons in hindsight (दूरदर्श/पश्च दृष्टि) , India’s hospitals should be witnessing fewer events annually, with a sharp decline in casualties (जनहानि/हताहतों की संख्या) . That would follow the global trend, as causes of hospital fires are understood better, and regulations tightened for safety of patients, their families, visitors and staff. There is also insight within the country on why fires in hospitals could be particularly fierce (तीव्र/भयानक) . One study by IIT Kharagpur engineers points to enrichment of the local environment by oxygen leaks, which sets off fires in thin plastics. The National Building Code is specific, requiring hospitals to have horizontal evacuation exits for bedridden patients and sprinkler systems for structures of specified height, which would cover most medical institutions.
Prevention of fires and emergency response are not high priorities in India, viewed by the Centre as a municipal function under State governments. With a steady decline in the enforcement (लागू करना/प्रभावशील करना) of urban regulations and building plans, fire risks have multiplied in public buildings. It will take enormous (बहुत अधिक/अत्यंत) political will and active judicial oversight (निरीक्षण/ निगरानी) to enforce best practices and rein (नियंत्रण/ रोकना) in violators. Meanwhile, patients and visitors could get a modicum (अल्पांश/ अल्पभाग) of risk protection and suitable compensation if all institutions offering any form of medical care are compulsorily required to be insured against disasters. Such a regulation would make a hospital insurable only if it installs good quality fire warning and control systems. There are reports that not enough could be done in the SUM Hospital fire to move patients away quickly, as the blaze (ज्वाला/ लौ) spread and affected vulnerable (अतिसंवेदनशील/ आघात योग्य) people receiving intensive (गहन/ प्रचुर मात्रा में) care. It is also believed there were not enough ambulances available to shift the patients out. Such evacuation is not the responsibility of the hospital alone, it is also the local administration’s. Looking ahead, the Centre and State governments should address fire risk in medical institutions as a top order priority. This can be achieved by understanding the hazard, adopting the right infrastructure, enforcing the building code, and holding frequent fire drills to do things correctly in an emergency.
Evacuate (verb)
Remove (someone) from a place of danger to a safer place. खाली कराना/निकालना
Synonyms: Remove, Move Out, Shift, Expel, Evict
Example: Several families were evacuated from their homes after the news of Tsunami.
Aspect (noun)
A particular part or feature of something. पहलू/पक्ष
Synonyms: Feature, Facet, Side, Characteristic, Particular
Example: You have to look at every aspect of the problem to really understand why it is happening.
Hindsight (noun)
Understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed. दूरदर्श/पश्च दृष्टि
Synonyms: experience, remembrance, Monday morning quarterback.
Example: In hindsight , I wished I had taken my friend’s key when I discovered she had wrecked her car on the way home.
Fierce (adjective)
Having or displaying a violent or ferocious aggressiveness. तीव्र/भयानक
Synonyms: Ferocious, Savage, Vicious, Frightening
Example: A fierce battle is being fought for the leadership of the Liberal Party.
Enforcement (noun)
The act of enforcing; ensuring observance of or obedience to. लागू /प्रभावशील करना
Synonyms: Imposition, Implementation, Application
Example: The strict enforcement of environmental regulations has become necessary now days.
Enormous (adjective)
Very large in size, quantity, or extent. बहुत अधिक/अत्यंत
Synonyms: Huge, Tremendous, Immense, Vast, Very Large
Example: Hockey is enormously popular in this country, with thousands of kids playing it every winter.
Oversight (noun)
Watchful and responsible care निरीक्षण/ निगरानी
Synonyms: Supervision, Surveillance, Superintendence, Inspection
Example: Effective oversight of the financial reporting process can make processes better.
Rein (verb)
Limiting or controlling something (from being excessive) नियंत्रण करना / रोकना
Synonyms: Curb, Govern, Command, Monitoring, Snaffle
Example: To rein the inflation, the money supply should be effectively stabilized.
Modicum (noun)
A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable or valuable. अल्पांश/ अल्पभाग
Synonyms: Fraction, Little, Fragment
Example: All I need is a modicum of money to pay for my basic needs.
Vulnerable (adjective)
Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed. अतिसंवेदनशील/ आघात योग्य
Synonyms: Penetrable, Unsafe, Unprotected, Permeable, Unguarded
Example: Because little kids have weak immune systems, they are very vulnerable to illness.
Intensive (adjective)
Involving very great extent. गहन/ प्रचुर मात्रा में
Synonyms: Profound, Deep, Thorough
Example: Following intensive negotiations with the union, a strike appears to have been averted.
Top court quashes FIRs against Gen Z protesters
Sep 04, 2026
Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.
Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!
News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App
Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.
Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.
Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.
Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.
Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.
International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.
Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.
Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
