Cuttack: A day after the tragic fire at Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Odisha Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday provided a detailed statement on the incident, confirming a rise in the death toll and outlining the government’s response.
The blaze, suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit, erupted around 2:48 am on Monday, in the first-floor Trauma Centre, where critically ill patients were receiving treatment. “Hospital staff acted swiftly on a war footing, evacuating 23 patients from the affected ICU and adjacent wards to other ICUs and sections of the facility. Despite these heroic efforts, the fire claimed lives due to the patients’ critical conditions, smoke inhalation, and burns,” the Minister said in the Odisha Assembly amid noisy scenes.
Mahaling confirmed that the death toll has risen to 12. “While seven patients died on the spot amid thick smoke and chaos, another five succumbed later during treatment as their condition deteriorated. Eleven ‘angel like’ hospital staff members sustained injuries, primarily burns, during rescue operations. All are receiving treatment and are reported to be out of danger,” he said.
He noted that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital shortly after the incident at around 4.17 am, met the injured, and expressed condolences to bereaved families. “I accompanied him. The CM directed the officials concerned to ensure proper treatment to the injured and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each fo
r the next of kin of the deceased,” he said.
The Prime Minister also spoke to the Chief Minister to assess the situation.
He further said that the state government responded decisively by ordering a judicial inquiry into the incident. An inter-departmental fact-finding committee has also been constituted to probe the causes, potential negligence, and lapses in fire safety protocols. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for any lapses,” he said.
The Minister informed that fire safety audits have already been completed in over 2,010 healthcare institutions across Odisha and the gaps are being addressed immediately. A special package of Rs 400 crore has been allocated in the current financial year to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in hospitals, he said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about safety standards in critical care units at the state’s premier health institution. Relatives of victims have recounted harrowing experiences, with some alleging delays in rescue and questioning fire safety measures.
Mahaling, however, said the gaps in safety protocol in the 85 buildings at SCB. were identified and fixed in the last six month. “The building where the incident occurred was equipped with a ramp, fire extinguisher, and a hydrant system,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, who visited the hospital last evening, described the scene as a reflection of crumbling safety standards, and demanded the Health Minister’s resignation, citing moral responsibility. He also called for higher compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the bereaved families, while raising the issue during the Zero Hour.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Odisha government on the incident within 15 days.