Odisha Health Minister Faces Opposition Fury Over SCB Hospital Fire
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday defended the Odisha government's handling of the devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, stating that the administration responded with full sincerity and compassion. However, his remarks were met with fierce opposition from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, who staged protests inside the state assembly, demanding his immediate resignation.
Assembly Proceedings Disrupted by Protests
As soon as the assembly session began at 10:30 am, BJD MLAs entered the well of the House holding posters, while Congress members raised slogans calling for accountability. Both parties jointly pressed for Mahaling's ouster, accusing him of failing to ensure safety standards at the state's premier healthcare facility. The protests severely disrupted Question Hour, forcing multiple adjournments.
Speaker Surama Padhy had to adjourn the House first from 10:37 am to 12 noon, and again from 12:15 pm to 4 pm, as the uproar continued unabated. Mahaling, who also handles the parliamentary affairs portfolio, was attempting to reply to a starred question on behalf of Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik when opposition sloganeering drowned out his response.
Opposition Leaders Demand Resignation and Compensation
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam spearheaded the demand for Mahaling's resignation. During Zero Hour, Naveen highlighted the SCB fire as a stark reminder of collapsing safety standards in Odisha's largest health institution. These were patients who came with hope, only to meet a horrific end due to administrative negligence, he stated, emphasizing that the health department cannot hide behind inquiries while families grieve.
Naveen welcomed the judicial inquiry ordered into the incident but asserted that it does not absolve the political leadership. He reiterated his demand for Mahaling's resignation and sought enhanced compensation of Rs 50 lakh for each deceased victim, up from the Rs 25 lakh announced by the government. Citing a precedent, he referenced the 2016 SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar, where then Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak resigned after 21 lives were lost.
Congress Criticizes Safety Lapses
Odisha Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das condemned the incident, pointing to shocking lapses in maintenance, lack of supervision, and complete failure of fire safety and emergency response. He called for a time-bound probe, stringent action against those responsible, Rs 1 crore compensation for each bereaved family, and immediate corrective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Health Minister's Defense and Government Actions
In response to the criticism, Mahaling outlined the government's proactive steps following the fire. He noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited SCB Medical College soon after the incident to meet the injured, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the CM. The government is taking all necessary steps, Mahaling assured, adding that whoever is found guilty will face strict action.
He further disclosed that fire safety inspections have been completed in 2,010 health institutions across the state. The government is currently assessing their requirements and has arranged a special package of Rs 400 crore in the current financial year to address safety upgrades and preventive measures.
The political standoff underscores the intense scrutiny over healthcare safety in Odisha, with the opposition leveraging the tragedy to demand greater accountability from the ruling dispensation.
