The appointment of the SCB Superintendent violates the National Medical Commission rules. Politically connected individuals have been appointed under BJP influence, and no comprehensive health safety audit has been conducted since the BJP came to power. The Health Minister must immediately resign on moral grounds. The SCB Superintendent and Additional Superintendent must be arrested for criminal negligence.: Atanu Sabyasachi, Former Health Minister
- 13 Innocent Lives Lost Due to Government Negligence
- Government Must Immediately Implement Fire Safety Measures
- Administration Has Learned Nothing from Past Incidents
Bhubaneswar, 18/03/2026:The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly condemned the horrific fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMC&H), Cuttack, on March 16, 2026. The tragedy claimed 13 lives and is the deadliest fire in the history of government hospitals in Odisha, reflecting severe negligence by the BJP government.
At a press conference held today at SankhaBhawan, Senior Vice President and former Health Minister Shri Debi Prasad Mishra and Vice President and former Health Minister Shri AtanuSabyasachiNayak stated that the state’s healthcare system has completely failed under the BJP government, which led to the loss of 13 innocent lives in the SCB fire tragedy.
Shri Debi Prasad Mishra highlighted that despite directions from the HonourableHigh Court of Orissa, fire safety systems were not functional in 33 hospital buildings, including the trauma center. The administration has not learned any lessons from past incidents. The Chief Minister’s departmental inquiry into the SCB fire tragedy was to submit its report within 24 hours, but unfortunately, the committee has not filed it. During a time of grief for the families, the Health Minister has been preoccupied with political activities in the state assembly elections, which is condemnable. The Health Minister must resign on moral grounds.
Shri Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak stated that the appointment of the SCB Superintendent violates National Medical Commission rules. Politically connected individuals have been appointed under BJP influence, and no comprehensive health safety audit has been conducted since the BJP came to power. The Health Minister must immediately resign on moral grounds. The SCB Superintendent and Additional Superintendent must be arrested for criminal negligence.
BJD also demanded a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for the families of the deceased, early submission of the inquiry report, and strict action against all responsible individuals. Fire safety measures must be immediately made functional in all government hospitals. BJD expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized that if no improvement comes in healthcare in the coming days, the party will take to the streets to demand accountability, Shri Nayak stated.
