Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling chaired a high-level review meeting of the Health Department at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The Minister conducted a detailed review of key issues, with special focus on fire safety arrangements in government healthcare facilities.
Dr Mahaling issued strict instructions to all government hospitals to rigorously enforce fire safety norms and conduct regular inspections. He directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring and full adherence to fire safety standards, warning that timely and effective steps must be taken on all matters discussed in the meeting.
The review covered fire safety infrastructure at medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and other health centres across the state. The Minister stressed that quick response in emergencies and the safety of patients must remain the topmost priority. He ordered that fire-fighting equipment in every hospital must remain fully functional, with mandatory regular checks and mock drills.
Officials were also instructed to maintain close coordination with the Works Department and Fire Services Department while implementing these measures.
Dr. Mahaling reiterated that the safety of patients and the general public is the government’s foremost priority, and no negligence in this regard will be tolerated. He called upon all officials to remain highly vigilant and proactive in the coming days.
The meeting was attended by Health Secretary Aswathy S., Special Secretary Dr Bijay Mohapatra, senior officials, and, virtually, the Chief District Medical Officers of all districts, along with heads of medical colleges.
