Patna: A fire broke out in the Microbiology Department of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Monday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the HIV viral load testing office and disrupting critical diagnostic services.
Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot after the incident was reported. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after nearly 30 minutes of operations. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The fire destroyed freezers, air conditioners, official documents, laboratory chemicals and furniture. Officials estimate the loss at more than Rs 1.5 crore.
HIV Testing Services Affected
The office responsible for HIV viral load testing was completely gutted in the fire. The facility receives samples not only from Patna but also from several districts across Bihar.
Officials said the destruction of equipment and records is likely to affect testing services for HIV patients until alternative arrangements are made.
Fire Broke Out During Examinations
According to PMCH Superintendent Professor Rajiv Kumar Singh, information about the fire was received around 2 pm. Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
At the time of the incident, examinations were being conducted in the department. Students and staff were evacuated immediately after smoke was detected, leading to temporary panic within the premises.
Singh said PMCH maintains a round-the-clock fire response presence on campus, which helped contain the incident quickly and prevent a larger disaster.
An investigation has been initiated and a detailed assessment of the losses is underway.
Department Staff Recount Incident
Pratyul Nandan, Head of the Microbiology Department, said examinations were being conducted in two shifts when smoke was noticed.
“We were preparing to leave when smoke started rising. The first step was to disconnect the power supply. By then, the fire had intensified,” he said.
Nandan added that staff initially attempted to extinguish the fire but informed the Fire Department when those efforts failed.
“All students and employees were evacuated safely. There has been no loss of life. However, documents, medicines, chemicals and furniture stored in the room were completely destroyed,” he said.
Fire Safety Concerns Raised
District Fire Commandant Ritesh Pandey said the control room received information about the incident at around 2:10 pm.
He noted that fire safety infrastructure within the campus remains inadequate, prompting authorities to station a fire tender permanently at the hospital as a precautionary measure.
In addition to the vehicle already deployed on campus, six more fire tenders were sent to the site to assist in firefighting operations.
Pandey said preliminary investigations point to a short circuit as the likely cause of the fire. A detailed inquiry has been ordered due to the sensitive nature of the facility affected.
Second Fire Incident In Two Months
The latest incident comes barely two months after another fire was reported in the same Microbiology Department.
That fire, also suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, damaged equipment, machinery and official records before being brought under control.
Separately, a fire had broken out in the old building of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department within the PMCH campus during the shifting of materials. That incident was contained without major damage.
The recurrence of fire incidents at PMCH has raised fresh concerns about electrical safety and fire prevention measures in one of Bihar’s largest government healthcare institutions.
