SCB Hospital Fire in Odisha: BJD Demands Minister’s Resignation and Probe Into Senior Officials
Cuttack, March 16: A devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack claimed 13 lives, marking the deadliest hospital blaze in Odisha’s history.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly condemned the incident, alleging gross negligence under the BJP-led administration.
The party demanded the resignation of the Health Minister, immediate arrest of the SCB Superintendent and Additional Superintendent, and a high-level probe into the tragedy.
BJD leaders highlighted that fire safety systems across 33 hospital buildings, including trauma centres, were non-functional, with sprinklers and alarms failing during the crisis.
The party accused the government of shielding senior officials while suspending junior officers as a diversionary tactic.
It also criticised political interference in hospital appointments, calling the response an “eyewash.”
BJD further demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for each bereaved family and warned of statewide protests if accountability and safety measures are not enforced.
Expressing condolences, the party urged a comprehensive health safety audit across all government hospitals to prevent future disasters.
