A devastating fire at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has claimed the lives of 12 patients, raising serious concerns over hospital safety.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at the ICU on the first floor. According to Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, hospital staff acted swiftly, evacuating 23 patients from the ICU and nearby wards. However, despite the prompt rescue efforts, seven critically ill patients died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries after being shifted to other wards.
During the rescue operation, 11 hospital staff members were injured while attempting to save patients. All of them are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and visited the hospital soon after the incident. He met with the affected families and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the Chief Minister to express condolences and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. President Droupadi Murmu and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also conveyed their grief over the incident.
In response, the state government has ordered a judicial inquiry led by retired Justice Laxmidhar Biswal. Additionally, a separate inter-departmental investigation committee headed by Development Commissioner D.K. Singh has been formed to determine the cause of the fire.
Officials noted that fire safety audits of over 2,000 medical institutions across Odisha have already been completed. The government has also earmarked ₹320 crore for 2025–26 and ₹400 crore for 2026–27 to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in hospitals.
Authorities have assured strict action against those found responsible and stressed the need for stronger preventive measures to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
