Naveen Patnaik Demands Health Minister’s Resignation After SCB Fire

Cuttack: A devastating fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital claimed the lives of 12 patients, sparking outrage across Odisha.

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik strongly criticised the state government in the Assembly, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling.

Patnaik recalled that during his tenure, a Health Minister had resigned following a similar private hospital fire, stressing that moral responsibility must be upheld.

He visited SCB Medical College, describing the situation as heartbreaking and pointing to collapsing safety standards.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Patnaik argued that investigations alone are insufficient and emphasised the need for political accountability.

He also slammed the government’s compensation announcement as inadequate, demanding Rs 50 lakh assistance for each victim’s family.