All medical institutions and schools are required to carry out comprehensive fire safety inspections, according to a urgent notice issued by the Ministry of Health Friday.

A hospital fire Thursday in Liaoyuan city of northeast China's Jilin province killed 39 people so far.

The urgent notice requires all medical institutions and schools to improve safety management, emergency response and prevent hidden dangers that might lead to fire accidents.

"Medical institutions serve patients and the public, so safety is especially important," said the notice, requiring heads of the institutions to take the forefront responsibilities of overseeing safety issues.

A heavy fire occurred at around 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the four-storied buildings of the largest hospital of Liaoyuan city, killing 39 and injuring many others. Rescue work is still under way.

Source: Xinhua