Odisha Reviews Fire Safety Measures After SCB Hospital Blaze

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the recent fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting and directed authorities to strengthen fire safety systems in government hospitals and offices across the state.

The review meeting was attended by senior officials including Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, and Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General of Fire Services. Principal secretaries of various departments and district collectors also participated in the meeting through virtual mode.

During the meeting, the state government decided to appoint the Special Secretary of the Health Department as the nodal officer to monitor and coordinate fire safety-related matters in all government medical colleges and hospitals.

Garg emphasised the need for constant readiness and instructed authorities to ensure that fire-fighting equipment remains operational at all times. She also directed officials to carry out periodic maintenance and recommended third-party inspections wherever necessary to maintain the efficiency of fire safety systems.

District collectors have been asked to organise regular mock drills at the district level to improve preparedness and response in case of fire emergencies.

The meeting also stressed that strict adherence to fire safety norms must be ensured during the approval of building plans, particularly for government infrastructure projects.

Highlighting the importance of safeguarding lives, the Chief Secretary urged all departments, fire services and district administrations to remain alert and strengthen safety mechanisms, noting that while development remains a priority, public safety must always come first.