Odisha's SCB Medical College Fire: Officials Suspended Amid Calls for Minister's Resignation
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the Odisha government suspended four officials following a tragic fire at SCB Medical College that claimed 12 lives. Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of the Health Minister as protests escalate. What led to this devastating incident and what actions are being taken?
Key Takeaways
12 patients lost their lives in a tragic fire at SCB Medical College.
Four officials have been suspended for alleged negligence.
Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of the Health Minister.
A judicial commission has been established to investigate the incident.
The commission will make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Bhubaneswar, March 18 (NationPress) In the wake of the devastating fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on March 16, which tragically resulted in the loss of 12 patients, four individuals have been suspended due to allegations of negligence. This includes three fire department personnel and one engineer.
On Wednesday, opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, escalated their protests both within and outside the Odisha Assembly, urging the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling.
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has acted on the negligence findings, leading to the suspension of four officials: Prakash Kumar Jena, Deputy Fire Officer of Cuttack Circle; Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Assistant Fire Officer of Cuttack Circle; Abhinab Prusty, Station Officer at SCB Medical College; and Ranjan Kumar Biswal, Assistant Executive Engineer of SCB Sub-Division under GED, Cuttack.
Earlier, the Chief Minister formed a six-member fact-finding team, led by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, to probe the causes of the fire at SCB Medical College.
A single-member judicial commission, comprising retired district judge Laxmidhar Biswal, has also been established by the state government.
This commission is tasked with submitting its report within 60 days of the notification's publication in the Odisha Gazette. Its duties include reviewing the sequence of events leading to the fire, assessing the accountability of involved parties, evaluating the hospital's preparedness for emergencies, and analyzing the effectiveness of measures taken to protect patient lives.
Moreover, the commission will provide recommendations to avert similar incidents in the future.
Reports indicate that the major fire erupted in the ICU of the Trauma Care Centre at SCB Medical College due to a suspected electrical short circuit occurring between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Monday, leading to the tragic deaths of 12 patients.
Point of View
The tragic fire incident at SCB Medical College raises serious concerns about safety protocols in healthcare facilities. The swift suspension of officials reflects the government's acknowledgment of negligence, while the opposition's demand for the minister's resignation highlights the political ramifications of such tragedies. A thorough investigation is essential to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at SCB Medical College?
The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the ICU of the Trauma Care Centre.
How many officials were suspended due to negligence?
Four officials, including three from the fire department and one engineer, were suspended.
What actions has the Odisha government taken?
The Odisha government has suspended officials and formed a judicial commission to investigate the incident.
What are the demands from the opposition parties?
Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling.
What will the judicial commission investigate?
The commission will examine the events leading to the fire, accountability, and hospital preparedness.
