Bhubaneswar, Mar 16: At least ten patients were killed after a major fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital here early on Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
Majhi, who rushed to the hospital, said that around 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients to safety.
He said that the fire probably originated from a short circuit.
The fire broke out between 2.30 am and 3 am. Fire service personnel rushed to the hospital and doused the flames, an official said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of patients in the fire incident and announced that ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.
“The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office said on X.
The PM also spoke to Majhi over the phone and took stock of the situation.
“Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me over the telephone regarding the tragic incident that occurred at SCB Medical College in Cuttack and held a detailed discussion,” the chief minister said on X.
Majhi said he has apprised the PM of the emergency measures, rescue operation and the specialised medical services being provided to the injured persons.
The CM also told the Prime Minister about the judicial inquiry ordered by the state government into the fire incident.
“At this sensitive time, I am grateful to the PM for his sympathetic concern and assurance of necessary assistance,” he stated.
The CM also announced Rs 25 lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of each deceased person.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan condoled the loss of lives in the fire incident at the hospital and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.
Noting that there were 23 patients at the Trauma Care ICU and an adjacent ICU and ward, the chief minister said seven patients died in the fire, while three others succumbed to burns or suffocation during evacuation.
He said the fire erupted at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated.
Majhi also announced a judicial probe into the incident and asked the DG, Fire Service, to inquire into the matter and report to him immediately.
“I direct the Fire Service DG to personally visit SCB Medical College and Hospital and ensure fire compliance,” Majhi said.
If anyone is found guilty in the incident after the judicial probe, strong action will be taken, the chief minister said.
The fire service officials, along with hospital staff, police and patients’ attendants, rescued the patients undergoing treatment at the ICU and shifted them to other departments of the SCB hospital.
Majhi, along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the state-run health facility and reviewed the situation.
“I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients and staff,” he said.
Majhi said that 11 medical officials joined the rescue operation, risking their lives, and they are now under treatment in a ward in the hospital.
He asserted that his government has made provision of Rs 720 crore in the budgets for 2025-26 and 2026-27 for this purpose. Work is underway on a war footing to install fire-fighting equipment in the government-run medical facilities, he added.
According to an eyewitness, the power supply was cut twice, and then the fire broke out, and the entire ICU was filled with thick smoke.
“I have called the fire brigade personnel, and they arrived around 20 minutes later. Meanwhile, the relatives and attendants of patients joined hands with the medical staff to rescue the patients,” the eyewitness said.
Another man said he broke the window glass and poured water to douse the fire before any assistance reached the patients and hospital staffers.
“With the guidance of a sister of the hospital, I switched off some electrical equipment and rescued seven patients from the ICU, who were in very serious condition,” he said.
Health Secretary Swasthya S told reporters at the hospital that the doctors have been instructed to provide better treatment to the injured patients. (PTI)
