• Source:JND
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A fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack  early Monday morning, leading to the feared deaths of ten patients and 11 staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients to safety, officials said.

Fire broke out at around 2.30 and 3 am at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated. Fire service personnel rushed to the hospital and doused the fire after launching an operation, the official said.

Rescue Of ICU Patients 

Amid the chaos and thick smoke, a massive rescue operation was launched the fire service officials, along with hospital staff and police, along with patients' attendants. They rescued the patients undergoing treatment at the ICU and shifted them to other departments of the SCB hospital, which is a major state-run medical facility in Odisha.

Government Stance

After getting news of fire at ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital. The Chief Minister met with senior officials and visited the injured patients to ensure they were receiving adequate care. A high-level review of the hospital’s safety protocols is expected as the state grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy at its leading medical institution.

Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said a major fire erupted in SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short-circuit. It affected Trauma Care ICU and adjoining ICI and wards, he said.

"A total of 23 patients have been shifted to other departments. Seven serious patients died while shifting to other ICUs and wards, while another three persons died later," CM Majhi said.

"I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," he added.

The chief minister has announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased person and judicial probe into SCB Medical College and Hospital fire incident.

PM Modi Expressed Condolence

Soon after getting news, PM Modi expressed his deeply condolence for the fire victims. PMO India posts, "The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Modi"


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