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Odisha Health Minister Orders Fire Safety Audits in Govt Hospitals After Cuttack Tragedy

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has directed officials to ensure strict compliance with fire safety measures across all state-run hospitals. The order came during a high-level review meeting following a deadly fire at SCB Medical College in Cuttack that killed 12 people. Mahaling emphasized that patient safety is the top priority and called for regular inspections, functional equipment, and mock drills. The incident has led to opposition parties demanding the Health Minister's resignation over alleged departmental shortcomings.

Key Points: Odisha Orders Fire Safety Audits in Hospitals After Cuttack Fire

  • Strict fire safety norms ordered
  • Regular inspections & mock drills mandated
  • Follows fatal Cuttack hospital fire
  • Opposition demands minister's resignation
  • Coordination with Fire Services Dept
2 min read

Odisha Health Minister orders regular fire safety audits in govt hospitals

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling mandates regular fire safety checks and mock drills in all state hospitals following a fatal fire in Cuttack.

"The safety of patients and the general public is the top priority for the state government, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated - Mukesh Mahaling"

Bhubaneswar, March 22

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Sunday emphasised strict compliance with fire safety measures in hospitals across the state, directing health department officials to carry out periodic monitoring.

During a high-level review meeting of the state health department held at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Mahaling stressed strict enforcement of fire safety norms in government hospitals and ordered regular inspections.

The meeting reviewed fire safety arrangements in various medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and other healthcare centres across Odisha.

The Odisha Health minister also advised officials to pay special attention to periodic monitoring and ensure proper compliance with fire safety standards.

According to an official statement, the Odisha Health Minister emphasised the need for a prompt response during emergencies and prioritising patient safety.

Mukesh Mahaling directed that fire-fighting equipment in all hospitals must remain fully functional and that regular inspections and mock drills should be conducted.

The Minister also instructed officials to take necessary steps in coordination with the Works Department and the Fire Services Department. Several other important issues related to the state health sector were also discussed during the meeting.

"The safety of patients and the general public is the top priority for the state government, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated," Mukesh Mahaling said.

The health minister asked health department officials to remain alert to prevent such hazards in hospitals across the state.

It is worth noting that following the recent fire mishap at the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which officially claimed 12 lives, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress have been demanding the resignation of Health Minister Mahaling on moral grounds.

The Opposition parties have also alleged that the incident exposed shortcomings in the functioning of the state health department.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! This is basic infrastructure 101. Our government hospitals are already overburdened. The last thing patients and their families need is the fear of fire hazards. Regular mock drills are crucial. Hope they extend this to private hospitals as well. 🙏
A
Aman W
Good direction from the Minister. Coordination between Health, Works, and Fire Services is key. Often, departments work in silos and that's where safety lapses happen. Accountability must be fixed at every level, from the hospital superintendent to the maintenance staff.
S
Sarah B
While the order is necessary, the political blame game is unfortunate. The opposition demanding a resignation after 12 lives is understandable, but the focus now should be 100% on preventing the next incident. Let's hope for bipartisan support on implementing these safety audits properly.
K
Karthik V
The statement says "any negligence will not be tolerated." We have heard this before. The proof will be in action. Will there be transparent reports of these audits? Will officials found negligent be punished? Or will it be business as usual after a few weeks? Time will tell.
M
Meera T
This is so important! My mother was in a hospital last year and I was shocked to see fire exits blocked with old furniture. It's not just about equipment, it's about discipline and daily practices. Staff training is equally critical. Hope they follow through.

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