In a high-level virtual review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling directed all district collectors to strengthen fire safety infrastructure across every health institution in Odisha. The minister emphasised immediate inspections, preparation of estimates, and completion of necessary works within stipulated timelines to ensure zero tolerance for fire hazards in hospitals.
The meeting was convened as per the directives of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who has instructed strict enforcement of fire prevention and suppression protocols in all healthcare facilities. Dr. Mahaling called for the formation of dedicated task forces, regular mock drills, periodic inspections, and the speedy completion of ongoing fire-safety projects. He stressed that patient safety must remain the top priority and directed officials to conduct routine fire safety checks at medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and other health centres.
The minister further ordered that all fire-safety equipment be kept fully functional and that regular fire safety audits and mock drills be organised without fail. He asked district administrations to maintain close coordination with the Fire Services and Public Works Department to implement required measures on priority.
Senior officials who participated in the meeting included Public Works Department Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Health Department Secretary Smt. Ashwati S., Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, senior health officers, district collectors, chief medical officers, fire officers, medical college principals, and superintendents, all joining virtually.
