A portion of the ceiling collapsed inside the Haematology Department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack late Tuesday night, triggering fresh concerns over patient safety.
Witnesses said the ceiling near the patient restroom suddenly gave way, scattering plaster and bricks across the floor. Fortunately, no one was present at the spot during the incident, preventing a major tragedy.
Hospital staff inspected the area soon after the collapse and cleared the debris. The incident renewed questions about maintenance in older hospital buildings. Patients and attendants expressed anxiety over the safety of wards and facilities, urging authorities to conduct structural audits.
Officials acknowledged that the Haematology Department operates from an older section of the hospital and assured that repair work will begin immediately. Engineers from the Public Works Department have been asked to assess the damage and recommend preventive measures.
The SCB Medical College, one of Odisha’s largest healthcare institutions, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, raising concerns about infrastructure upkeep.
