Prime Minister Modi Offers Support Following Cuttack Hospital Fire Tragedy
Tragic Fire Incident in Cuttack Hospital
New Delhi, March 16: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the recent fire at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. He announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who perished in the incident.
The fire broke out early Monday morning in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care center at SCB Medical College and Hospital. Reports indicate that at least 10 patients lost their lives, with many others suffering severe burn injuries.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared on X, stating, "The incident at the hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is profoundly distressing. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for the swift recovery of the injured."
In addition to the compensation for the deceased, the injured will receive Rs. 50,000 each.
The fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, erupted between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the injured at the hospital and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and promised strict action against anyone found negligent.
CM Majhi informed the media, "A significant fire occurred in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. Patients in the Trauma Care ICU and adjacent areas were affected.
"Following the outbreak of the fire, 23 patients from the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were relocated to safer areas. Unfortunately, seven critically ill patients died during the transfer, and three others passed away after being moved to different ICUs. This is indeed tragic."
He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. Majhi also directed the Health Department to ensure that those with serious injuries receive advanced treatment in other ICUs and wards.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister acknowledged the bravery of 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, who risked their lives to assist in the evacuation of patients. Many of them sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and flames but are now stable and receiving treatment.
"Since our government took office, I have previously instructed the department to review and enhance fire safety protocols in all hospitals statewide. In the current budget for 2025–26, we have allocated Rs 320 crore for improving fire safety measures, and work is progressing rapidly.
"For the upcoming financial year 2026–27, an additional Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for this initiative," the Chief Minister stated.
Majhi directed officials from all departments to ensure the installation of advanced fire suppression systems in hospitals throughout the state.