SCB expansion projects under close watch as Health Minister reviews infrastructure, safety

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing redevelopment works at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, directing officials to expedite construction while maintaining quality standards and ensuring that the upgraded facilities meet the needs of patients, doctors and students.

The Minister inspected key infrastructure projects, including the new hospital block, postgraduate hostel, resident doctors’ hostel and assistant professors’ quarters, and assessed the pace and quality of the ongoing works. He instructed the executing agencies to complete all projects within the stipulated timeline without compromising construction standards.

Reviewing the state’s flagship healthcare institution, Dr Mahaling said the government is committed to transforming SCB Medical College and Hospital into a world-class healthcare and medical education centre equipped with modern infrastructure and improved patient care facilities.

Fire safety preparedness received special attention during the inspection. The Minister directed officials to keep fire extinguishers, alarm systems, emergency exits and other safety equipment in operational condition and asked them to conduct periodic safety audits and mock drills to strengthen emergency response mechanisms.

He also reviewed essential civic amenities within the campus, including sanitation, drinking water supply, power supply, transportation and other patient support services. Officials were instructed to address any deficiencies promptly to ensure greater convenience for patients and attendants.

Dr Mahaling said the infrastructure expansion is aimed at creating a better treatment environment for patients while also providing improved academic and residential facilities for doctors, healthcare professionals and medical students. He emphasised that continuous monitoring of the projects would be necessary to ensure the quality and timely completion of the works.

Kataka Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi, Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., senior officials of SCB Medical College and Hospital, representatives of the executing agency and officers of the Health Department were present during the review.