Bhubaneswar, 25 June (H.S.) : Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday directed officials to further strengthen fire safety mechanisms across all government healthcare institutions in the state, prioritising the safety of patients and healthcare personnel.
The directive was issued during a high-level fire safety review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where the Minister assessed the current status of fire safety infrastructure and preparedness in government medical colleges and hospitals, district headquarters hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of previous instructions issued by the Health Department regarding fire prevention and emergency response measures.
Emphasising the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, Dr. Mahaling instructed officials to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment, enhance emergency preparedness, and enforce prescribed fire safety standards across all healthcare establishments. He called for comprehensive measures to make fire safety systems more robust, effective, and responsive.
The Minister stated that while delivering quality healthcare remains a key priority, ensuring the safety and security of patients, attendants, and healthcare workers is an equally important responsibility of the government. He stressed that every healthcare institution must remain adequately prepared to respond to fire-related emergencies through timely preventive measures and well-defined response mechanisms.
The meeting was attended by National Health Mission (NHM) Managing Director Dr. Brunda D, senior officials of the Health Department, and Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM&PHOs), along with deans and superintendents of medical colleges from various districts, who participated virtually in the deliberations.
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
