CUTTACK: A tragic fire incident at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack claimed the lives of 12 patients.
The incident occurred at the SCB Medical College and Hospital's Trauma Care ICU centre in Cuttack on early hour on Monday.
Minister of Health Mukesh Mahaling stated in the Odisha Assembly that a fire broke out in the first-floor ICU, following which hospital staff quickly evacuated 23 patients from the ICU and nearby wards.
Despite the prompt response, 7 critically ill patients died at the site, while 5 others later succumbed during treatment after being shifted to other wards.
In the rescue operation, 11 hospital staff members sustained injuries while saving patients. All injured staff are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger.
The state government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, to be led by retired Justice Laxmidhar Biswal. Additionally, an inter-departmental fact-finding committee headed by Development Commissioner D.K. Singh has been constituted to investigate the cause of the fire.
The government stated that fire audits of over 2,000 medical institutions in the state have already been completed, and steps are being taken to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in hospitals.
Budgetary allocations of Rs 320 crore for 2025-26 and Rs 400 crore for 2026-27 have been earmarked for fire safety measures. Authorities have assured strict action against those found responsible and emphasized measures to prevent such incidents in the future. (ANI)
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