Panic gripped the Cuttack Shishu Bhawan premises on Wednesday afternoon as heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a portion of the sidewall of its newly inaugurated building.
Just over two months since the seven-storey pediatric healthcare block was ceremoniously unveiled by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, the incident has prompted sharp criticism and alarm among citizens and healthcare advocates.
According to witnesses, the collapsed wall damaged several parked vehicles and sent rainwater splashing into first-floor windows, creating chaos among patients and attendants. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, though several had a narrow escape.
Built to bolster pediatric care in the state, the facility was seen as a major advancement in healthcare infrastructure. Its structural failure so soon after inauguration has raised serious questions about construction quality and oversight.
Civic groups and opposition leaders have demanded an immediate probe into the incident, citing safety concerns and potential negligence. “This is not just a wall—it’s a warning,” said a Cuttack-based health activist. “Children and families come here seeking care, not catastrophe.”
While authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the collapse, engineers have been deployed to assess the building’s safety and prevent further mishaps.
As Odisha heads into its monsoon season, the collapse serves as a stark reminder of the state’s need for resilient infrastructure and stringent accountability, especially in institutions tasked with safeguarding vulnerable lives.
