Bhubaneswar, March 22: Odisha’s Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling held a high-level review meeting of the state health department at the Lok Seva Bhawan on Sunday. He emphasized strict compliance with fire safety measures in state hospitals and instructed department officials to conduct regular monitoring.
The meeting reviewed fire safety arrangements across various medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and other health centers in Odisha.
During the review, the minister stressed the importance of enforcing fire safety standards in government hospitals and ordered regular inspections. He advised officials to pay special attention to ongoing monitoring and ensure proper adherence to fire safety protocols.
According to an official statement, the Health Minister highlighted the need for rapid response during emergencies and prioritized patient safety. Mukesh Mahaling directed that all hospitals must have fully operational firefighting equipment and conduct regular inspections and mock drills.
He also instructed officials to coordinate with the Public Works Department and the Fire Department to take necessary actions. Several other critical issues related to the state’s health sector were discussed during the meeting.
He stated that the safety of patients and the general public is the top priority for the state government, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated. He urged health department officials to remain vigilant to prevent such threats in hospitals across the state.
Notably, following a recent fire incident at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, have demanded the resignation of the Health Minister on moral grounds.
This incident officially claimed the lives of 12 individuals. Opposition parties have also alleged that this event has exposed deficiencies in the functioning of the state health department.
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