Cuttack: In the aftermath of the fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital that killed 12 patients, Orissa high court on Thursday turned the spotlight on fire safety in hospitals, directing the govt to place on record details of fire safety measures in hospitals with trauma care ICU facilities.A two-judge bench of Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh also asked the director general of fire services to “appear either virtually or in person on April 9 to render necessary assistance, for effective adjudication of the issue.”The directions came while taking stock of the measures undertaken to prevent incidents like the March 16 blaze in which 12 patients were killed in the trauma care ICU of SCB, one of the state’s largest referral hospitals.SCB superintendent doctor Jyotish Chandra Choudhury, appearing through video link, informed the court that steps are being taken to restore the trauma care ICU. Recording the submission, the court asked the health and family welfare secretary to appear on April 9 to apprise it of restoration status and alternative arrangements for trauma patients.The court stressed that non-functioning of the dedicated trauma ICU at SCB should not result in denial of critical care, directing hospital authorities to ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients requiring intensive care.Posting the matter to April 9, the bench indicated that it would closely monitor compliance with fire safety norms and systemic improvements across healthcare facilities in the state.The bench noted that despite directions issued on July 16, 2024, following a previous fire incident at SCB, concerns over fire preparedness exist.While disposing of a PIL on July 16, 2024, the court had then said, “Pursuant to the orders passed by this court, the authorities have taken steps for installation of fire fighting system in all the buildings on the SCB Medical College Hospital. Considering the averments from the government made in the affidavit filed on 12.07.2024, we dispose of the present writ application with an observation that the authorities shall make best endeavour to ensure that the work of installation of fire fighting system in the hospital, which is of immense public importance, is completed within the time as stipulated under the contract/work orders.”
