In a significant move to ensure patient safety, the Odisha State Health Assurance Society has issued a stern notice to 35 private and government hospitals across the state whose fire safety certificates have expired.
Despite the lapse in validity, these facilities have failed to renew their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department.
The society, functioning under the Health and Family Welfare Department, has given the hospitals a strict 5-day deadline to submit renewed fire safety certificates. Failure to comply will result in immediate suspension from the prestigious Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, potentially disrupting healthcare access for thousands of beneficiaries.
Dr Brunda D., CEO of the State Health Assurance Society, emphasised in the directive that patient safety cannot be compromised. “Hospitals must prioritise fire safety compliance. The renewed certificates must be submitted within the stipulated time, or de-empanelment proceedings will begin,” the notice stated.
Hospitals on the List
The 35 hospitals are spread across several districts:
- Cuttack (Rural & Urban): 15 hospitals
- Khordha (Rural & Urban): 10 hospitals
- Angul, Ganjam & Puri: 2 hospitals each
- Balasore, Bhadrak, Rayagada & Sambalpur: 1 hospital each
This crackdown highlights growing concerns over fire safety in medical establishments, especially after past incidents in hospitals across India that exposed vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness.
The notice comes at a time when Odisha is strengthening its public-private partnership model in healthcare. Any suspension could strain the state’s capacity to provide cashless treatment under the flagship scheme, which covers millions of families.
Health officials have urged the defaulting hospitals to act swiftly to avoid inconvenience to patients and operational disruptions. Authorities are monitoring compliance closely, with further action expected if the deadline is missed.
