In a swift response to a devastating fire that claimed lives at one of Odisha’s premier medical facilities, the state government has announced the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
The blaze, which erupted in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Shriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, has sparked widespread concern over hospital safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
The incident occurred earlier today, leading to the tragic loss of life and prompting immediate action from authorities. According to an official notification issued by the Home (Special Section) Department, the government has appointed retired District Judge Shri Laxmidhar Biswal to lead the inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
The commission’s mandate includes a thorough examination of the sequence of events leading to the fire, the roles and accountability of individuals and authorities involved, the hospital’s readiness to handle such emergencies, the effectiveness of response measures taken before and after the incident, and recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The panel is required to submit its report within 60 days from the date of the notification’s publication in the Odisha Gazette.
“The state government is deeply concerned about this matter of serious public importance,” the notification states, emphasising the need for a judicial probe to ensure transparency and accountability.
The headquarters of the commission will be based in Cuttack, with flexibility to conduct proceedings elsewhere if necessary. Copies of the notification have been forwarded to key stakeholders, including the Orissa High Court, the Chief Minister’s office, police authorities, and relevant departments for immediate action.
This fire incident adds to growing worries about infrastructure safety in public hospitals across India, where overcrowding and outdated equipment have been recurrent issues. While details on the number of casualties and the exact cause remain limited at this stage, sources indicate that the fire may have originated in the ICU, affecting critically ill patients.
Hospital officials and fire services responded promptly, but the tragedy has left families grieving and the medical community in shock. The government has assured full cooperation with the inquiry to uncover lapses and implement reforms.
As investigations begin, calls for enhanced fire safety audits in healthcare facilities are expected to intensify. The outcome of this judicial probe could set precedents for hospital management and emergency protocols statewide.
