Odisha Assembly witnessed sharp criticism today as Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik attacked the state government over the SCB Medical College and Hospital fire tragedy in Cuttack, which has claimed 12 lives.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Patnaik demanded the resignation of Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling. He argued that when a similar incident occurred in a private hospital during his government, the then Health Minister resigned. He insisted that the current minister must also accept moral responsibility and step down.
Patnaik visited SCB Medical College on Monday and described the scenes as heartbreaking. He said the fire in the Trauma Care ICU exposed collapsing safety standards in the state’s premier healthcare institution. Patients admitted with the hope of recovery lost their lives due to administrative negligence, he added.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families, Patnaik declared that the government cannot hide behind investigations. Judicial inquiry is welcome, but political leadership must also take responsibility. He stressed that the announced compensation is inadequate and demanded Rs 50 lakh assistance for each victim’s family.
