Odisha CM Briefs PM Modi on SCB Medical College Fire Relief and Probe

Cuttack, March 16: A devastating fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital claimed the lives of at least ten critically ill patients in the early hours of Sunday.

Several staff members sustained injuries while attempting to rescue patients.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, offering condolences and assuring full central support.

CM Majhi personally supervised evacuation efforts, arranged specialised medical care for the injured, and announced Rs 25 lakh ex gratia compensation for each deceased patient’s family.

The Chief Minister has ordered a high‑level judicial inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and identify lapses in safety protocols.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy, while MPs observed a minute of silence in solidarity with the victims.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter fire safety enforcement and improved emergency preparedness across hospitals in Odisha.