The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department has made a disturbing discovery in that most government hospitals in the state have significant weaknesses in terms of emergency preparedness to face fire risks.

Its director, Azmi Othman, said checks on at least 10 hospitals had unearthed significant problems, namely the existence of barriers at exits.

Such situation only complicated the process of saving oneself, in the event of a fire, he noted.

“In a situation where exit doors are found locked during a state of panic is bound to give problems to patients, staff or visitors from getting out to safety,” he told reporters after presenting certificates to 19 Emergency Response Teams (ERT) in Tunjong in Kota Baru today.

Azmi said there were also hospitals which renovated their buildings without referring to the Fire and Rescue Department.

“So far, we have inspected 10 government hospitals and will examine three private hospitals,” he added.

“The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department is now in the process of preparing a report on the inspection of the 10 hospitals before handing it over to the state health department director for further action,” he said.

Commenting on the formation of ERTs, Azmi said he had urged all heads of state and federal government departments to set up their respective ERTs.

In another development, he said they were providing 400 active and trained members in the face of possible flooding during the rainy season.

He said they were alerted to the possible occurrence of high tides in some low-lying coastal zones.

- Bernama