Odisha’s government acted decisively post the catastrophic fire at Cuttack’s SCB Medical College Hospital, suspending four key officials on charges of dereliction of duty. The March 16 blaze in the Trauma Care ICU killed 12 patients, sparking widespread condemnation over safety standards in public hospitals.
Identified for suspension are fire service veterans Prakash Kumar Jena, Sanjiv Kumar Behera, and Abhinav Prusti, alongside engineer Ranjan Kumar Biswal. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the action based on initial findings revealing critical oversights in fire prevention and response.
Political temperatures soared as BJD and Congress staged fierce demonstrations in the state assembly and streets, calling for Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s ouster. ‘This is just scapegoating juniors,’ opposition leaders charged, pointing to systemic failures under the minister’s watch.
Details emerging paint a grim picture: a midnight short circuit ignited a ferocious fire in the ICU, trapping vulnerable patients. Rescue operations were hampered by inadequate equipment and delayed response, amplifying the death toll.
To unearth the truth, CM Majhi set up a high-level fact-finding committee under Devarajan Kumar Singh. Parallely, a judicial probe led by Justice (Retd.) Laxmidhar Biswal will dissect every aspect—from event timeline and accountability to institutional readiness and post-fire measures.
Mandated to report in 60 days via Odisha Gazette notification, the commission’s recommendations could reshape hospital safety norms. As families mourn and protests continue, Odisha stares at a healthcare crisis demanding urgent overhaul. The coming weeks will test the government’s resolve in delivering justice and prevention.