Odisha Government Issues Strict Fire Safety Directives for Hospitals After Deadly Blaze
The Odisha government has issued a critical directive to all hospitals across the state, mandating that fire safety alert systems remain operational and active at all times. This urgent order was announced on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance in healthcare facilities.
Background of the Directive
While the government did not specify an immediate trigger for this directive, it holds significant weight in light of recent allegations. Staff members at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack have claimed that crucial fire alarm devices were switched off when a massive fire erupted early on Monday. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 12 patients, highlighting severe lapses in safety protocols.
In response to the catastrophe, the government has already established a judicial commission to investigate the circumstances leading to the fire. The commission aims to uncover any negligence or systemic failures that contributed to the loss of life.
High-Level Review Meeting
Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to thoroughly review fire safety protocols in government hospitals and other public facilities. Although the government has not officially confirmed whether SCB Medical College's fire alarm system was disabled, officials acknowledged that allegations from hospital staff are being actively verified.
Following the meeting, the chief secretary's office released a written statement outlining key mandates. Fire alarm systems must remain switched on and active 24x7 to ensure effective emergency preparedness. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of firefighting equipment are now mandatory, along with the conduction of mock drills across the state to enhance readiness.
Plans for Third-Party Audits and Budget Allocation
The statement further highlighted plans to conduct third-party audits of fire safety measures in hospitals and all government buildings throughout Odisha. District collectors have been instructed to expedite the installation of fire safety systems in healthcare facilities to prevent future tragedies.
During the meeting, Fire Service Director General Sudhanshu Sarangi reported that over the past year, an exhaustive audit led to fire safety recommendations for 2,215 government and private healthcare facilities across the state. While many hospitals have begun complying with these recommendations, significant challenges persist.
Old building structures pose major hurdles, and since hospitals remain fully functional, installations risk disrupting patient care. Temporarily halting services is not practically possible, explained an official, underscoring the complexities of implementing safety upgrades in operational environments.
Financial and Structural Measures
According to sources, Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed district authorities to ensure that budgets sanctioned exclusively for improving fire safety in government hospitals are utilized effectively and in a timely manner. The allocation for fire safety has been increased from Rs 320 crore in the current fiscal year to Rs 400 crore for 2026-27, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure.
The authorities also discussed the potential demolition of old government buildings where fire safety compliance remains a major challenge. This structural approach aims to address root causes of vulnerability and create safer environments for patients and staff alike.
This comprehensive response by the Odisha government underscores a proactive stance toward preventing future fire-related incidents in healthcare settings, prioritizing public safety above all else.
