Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling today provided a detailed statement in the State Assembly on the devastating fire at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which has now claimed 12 lives, all patients.
Addressing the House, Minister Mahaling described the incident as a “very sad accident” and expressed profound sorrow, offering prayers for the departed souls. He emphasized that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and has initiated necessary actions.
Key highlights from the minister’s statement: Immediate arrangements have been made to provide the best possible medical facilities to the injured patients, including their transfer to appropriate care units.
On the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia assistance has been announced from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to the next of kin of each deceased.
Additionally, Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and Rs 50,000 each (as per the announced details) from the PMNRF for the families of the deceased.
The Chief Minister has instructed the Fire Department to urgently monitor and upgrade the fire extinguishing system at SCB Medical College to make it fully fire-compliant. All hospital officials have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent any future recurrence, the minister said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Mahaling stated that the administration has not shirked its responsibility and is fully dedicated to bolstering modern fire prevention systems across hospitals.
Notably, funds have been allocated for the first time in the state budget specifically for fire prevention and extinguishing in healthcare facilities.
The opposition, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik—who visited the hospital yesterday—continued to criticize the government, citing the incident as a failure in administrative and safety protocols, and renewed calls for the Health Minister’s resignation.
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