Orissa High Court Directs State Government to Submit Status Report on SCB Medical College Fire Inquiry
The Orissa High Court has issued a directive to the State government, demanding a comprehensive status report on the ongoing judicial inquiry into the devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. This tragic incident, which occurred recently, resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 12 patients, sparking widespread public concern and highlighting critical safety issues.
Judicial Probe Commission Established Following the Fire
In response to the fire incident on March 16, the State government promptly ordered a Judicial Probe Commission to investigate the matter thoroughly. The home department officially notified this decision on March 17, emphasizing that the incident is of serious public importance and will be examined under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. This legal framework ensures a rigorous and transparent investigation into the causes and consequences of the fire.
Court Hearing Reveals Restoration Timeline and Current Patient Management
During a hearing held on Thursday, the division bench comprising Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh received updates from key officials. Aswathy S., commissioner-cum-secretary of the state health and family welfare department, along with SCBMCH superintendent Dr. Jyotish Chandra Choudhury, informed the court that a new Trauma ICU is being established in the department of surgery. They projected that this facility is likely to become operational by April 25, 2026, marking a significant step toward restoring critical healthcare services.
In the interim, to ensure continuity of care for critical trauma patients, the hospital has implemented a temporary management strategy. These patients are currently being treated in the Intensive Care Units of various other departments, including orthopaedics and neurosurgery. This arrangement aims to maintain essential medical support while the dedicated Trauma Care ICU undergoes reconstruction.
High Court's Directives and Concerns Over Inquiry and Restoration
The High Court bench expressed deep concern over the situation and issued specific orders to monitor progress. Additional Government Advocate Debasis Nayak has been instructed to apprise the court regarding the advancements made in the judicial inquiry. This inquiry is specifically focused on investigating the fire incident in the trauma ICU of SCBMCH, which led to the tragic loss of 12 lives.
Justice Mohapatra and Justice Narasingh underscored the importance of ensuring that the judicial inquiry does not impede the expedited restoration of the Trauma Care ICU. They stressed the urgent need for early revival of this vital facility to prevent further disruptions in patient care. The bench has scheduled a follow-up hearing after the state government provides an update on both the inquiry proceedings and the restoration work, ensuring accountability and timely action.
Commission's Mandate and Expected Timeline for Report Submission
Retired district judge Laxmidhar Biswal has been appointed as the single-member commission to lead the investigation. The commission has been tasked with submitting its detailed report within a strict timeframe of 60 days, highlighting the urgency of addressing this matter. Beyond merely investigating the incident, the commission's mandate includes several critical objectives aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Key responsibilities of the commission include:
- Examining the precise sequence of events that led to the fire outbreak.
- Assessing the role and accountability of officials or authorities involved in the incident.
- Evaluating the preparedness of SCBMCH and other relevant agencies in responding to such emergencies.
- Recommending effective measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
- Analyzing the effectiveness of measures taken both before and after the fire to save patients' lives.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the inquiry not only identifies the causes but also proposes actionable solutions to enhance hospital safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms across medical facilities in the state.
