Sambalpur: Sudhanshu Sarangi, the director general of fire services, visited Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Vimsar), Burla on Tuesday to assess and strengthen its fire safety infrastructure. The move comes after the March 16 blaze in the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack which claimed 12 lives.Sarangi held a review meeting and stressed the need for upgraded technical expertise, modern firefighting equipment and stronger preparedness for fire-related emergencies. The key discussions centred on AI-enabled cameras, electrical safety protocols and regular staff training. Noting that many of Vimsar’s nearly 20 buildings are of older architectural design, he directed officials to upgrade them in line with the 2017 fire safety norms. He also called for coordinated efforts between the fire services department and Vimsar authorities to ensure uninterrupted and safe patient care.
Sambalpur collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said, “The DG inspected several departments and buildings and examined the fire safety arrangements in detail. Immediate renovation work has begun in structures requiring urgent attention, while long-term measures are being planned.”He added that the health department has approved funds and the works department will execute the upgrades. As recommended by the DG, AI-based advanced cameras will replace the existing surveillance system for early fire detection.Other measures, including installation of fire extinguishers, construction of ramps and additional safety enhancements in old buildings, will also be implemented as per the 2017 guidelines, officials said.The review meeting was attended by northern range IG Himanshu Lal, SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo and Vimsar director Lalmohan Nayak, among others.
