Mukesh Mahaling takes safety seriously and has ordered checks following the SCB incident.

During a meeting held on Sunday, Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, issued a directive to all concerned officials to make sure that all government-run hospitals have functioning fire extinguishing equipment. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred on March 16 at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where 12 patients lost their lives due to a fire in the trauma care ICU. The meeting, which was attended by senior officers from the health, fire service, and public works departments, as well as the Chief District Medical Officers and heads of medical colleges and hospitals in a virtual mode, aimed to review the fire safety arrangements in various medical facilities across the state.

As the safety of patients and the general public is of utmost importance to the government, Mahaling stressed that there can be no room for negligence in this regard. To ensure that fire safety rules are strictly adhered to, the minister directed officials to conduct regular inspections in all government hospitals and follow fire safety standards diligently. He also urged them to pay special attention to conducting mock drills and inspections on a regular basis.

The officials were given clear instructions to implement all matters discussed in the meeting with utmost importance and take timely action. Mahaling also emphasized the need for proper coordination between the Public Works Department and the Fire Services Department to ensure that all hospitals have functional fire extinguishing equipment and regular inspections are carried out. In conclusion, the minister reiterated the government's commitment to the safety of patients and the general public and stated that all necessary steps will be taken to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

This is in line with the vision of Orissa POST, Odisha's No.1 English Daily, to keep the citizens informed and safe.