The Madhya Pradesh Health Department on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, suspended the operating licence of Shalby Hospital in Jabalpur following a fire that broke out in the facility on 11 October. The administration is now awaiting fresh electrical and fire-safety audit reports from multiple departments before deciding on further action.

What Triggered the Suspension

Chief Medical Officer Naveen Kothari confirmed that an investigation team inspected the hospital in the aftermath of the fire incident, and the licence was suspended based on findings from that inspection. 'Following the fire incident at Shalby Hospital, an inspection was conducted by an investigation team, after which its licence was suspended,' Kothari said.

According to local media reports, the inspection reportedly identified several shortcomings in the hospital's fire-safety arrangements — including an inactive fire-alarm system, obstructions near a fire exit, and irregularities in the electrical panel. These findings prompted health authorities to take immediate regulatory action.

How the Fire Unfolded

The fire broke out in a room in the hospital's semi-private ward on 11 October, triggering the evacuation of patients to safety. The incident drew attention to the functioning — or lack thereof — of the hospital's fire-safety systems and its compliance with prescribed safety standards. This is not an isolated concern nationally; hospital fire incidents have repeatedly exposed gaps between regulatory mandates and on-ground compliance across Indian states.

Audits Awaited from Three Departments

Kothari said reports are now expected from the Health Department, the Municipal Corporation's Building Department, and the Municipal Corporation's Fire Department. 'We now expect the Health Department, the Building Department of the Municipal Corporation and the Municipal Corporation's Fire Department to provide us with updated reports of the electrical audit,' he said.

The combined assessments are intended to establish whether Shalby Hospital meets the mandatory safety standards required to resume operations. Until that determination is made, the suspension remains in force.

Impact on Current Patients

During the suspension period, the hospital has been directed to stop admitting new patients while ensuring that those already undergoing treatment continue to receive proper care. Arrangements for safe discharge or transfer — depending on individual medical conditions — are also required, according to the order.

What Happens Next

Further regulatory action will hinge on the audit reports submitted by the concerned departments and on whether the hospital demonstrates compliance with prescribed safety requirements, Kothari said. The outcome could range from licence restoration with conditions to more severe penalties if safety deficiencies are found to be systemic.