Odisha govt to hold fire audits at govt hospitals, announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for SUM hospital victims

Following the tragic fire incident at the SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha government has decided to conduct a fire safety audit at all government-run healthcare facilities across the state.

The decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Secretary AP Padhi.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of those who died in the hospital fire. Patnaik, who had previously announced free treatment for the fire victims in different hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, made the announcement of ex-gratia before leaving for New Delhi.

A total of 21 persons died and over 100 others were injured in the fire that broke out at SUM Hospital on 17 October evening.

"Fire safety audit at government hospitals in district, sub-divisional level and medical colleges would be conducted. The fire safety measures at places particularly with electrical installations will be reviewed. One month time has been given to Energy and Works department to submit their requirements after inspection," Padhi said.

Meanwhile, Behera has submitted his report based on an on-field investigation at Sum Hospital. He said that of about 160 health facilities in the state capital, only three or four institutions have availed fire safety permission.

--With PTI inputs

Also read: SUM hospital fire: All those responsible should be punished, says JP Nadda