Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday directed officials to reinforce fire safety systems across all government medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and health institutions in the state.
Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Dr. Mahaling reviewed the current status of fire safety arrangements, compliance with previous directives, and preparedness for emergency situations. He emphasised that patient and staff safety must remain the top priority in every healthcare facility.
The minister instructed health officials to ensure regular inspection of fire extinguishers, maintain emergency readiness, and strictly follow prescribed safety standards. He said every institution must adopt proactive measures to prevent fire-related incidents and respond swiftly in case of emergencies.
Dr. Mahaling stated that providing healthcare services goes hand in hand with ensuring the safety of patients and medical personnel. He stressed the importance of preemptive planning and timely action to handle crises effectively.
National Health Mission (NHM) Managing Director Dr. Brundha D, senior officials from the Health Department, Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers, and deans and superintendents of medical colleges participated in the meeting virtually.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening hospital infrastructure and safety mechanisms to protect lives and maintain public confidence in the healthcare system.
