A Frightening Incident Unfolds
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, tragedy struck Cuttack City as a fire broke out in the ICU of Trisha Hospital, a private healthcare facility. The flames, reportedly caused by a short circuit, quickly spread to an adjoining nursing home near Purighat Police Station, throwing the lives of patients and healthcare workers into chaos. The incident, which has since been described as a significant fire mishap, underscores the critical importance of stringent fire safety measures in healthcare facilities.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
The rapid response from the fire services was pivotal in averting an even greater disaster. At least three fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to control the blaze. Assistant Fire Service Officer Sanjeeb Behera reported that the initial focus was on rescuing critical patients from the ICU and then the newborns from the nursing home. Fire service personnel successfully evacuated 45 patients, including 17 admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, 17 children to Sishu Bhawan, and 11 others to various private hospitals.
Despite these heroic efforts, the aftermath of the fire was tragic. A seven-day-old baby, one of the infants moved to Sishu Bhawan, succumbed to injuries sustained during the mishap. This loss highlights the fragile nature of healthcare environments and the dire consequences when safety measures fail.

Suspension of Trisha Hospital’s Empanelment
In the wake of the fire, the state Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department acted swiftly. On Sunday, they announced the suspension of Trisha Hospital’s empanelment under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), pending a thorough investigation by both the H&FW and Fire Departments. This suspension is a critical step in ensuring accountability and reinforcing the importance of compliance with fire safety regulations.
Statewide Measures and Future Precautions
Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has taken decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future. A special task force comprising officials from the Health, Home, and Energy departments has been constituted to ensure that all hospitals in the state adhere to proper fire safety measures and guidelines. This task force is a proactive step toward safeguarding patients and healthcare workers by enforcing stringent safety protocols.
State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling echoed this sentiment, announcing a high-level committee to probe the incident. He assured that stringent action would be taken if any lapses in maintaining fire safety arrangements were found. This commitment to a thorough investigation and accountability is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of all healthcare facilities in the state.
A Call to Action
The Cuttack Hospital fire mishap serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards present in healthcare facilities. It underscores the urgent need for rigorous fire safety measures and regular audits to ensure compliance. As the state moves forward, the focus must remain on implementing robust safety protocols and providing adequate training for hospital staff to handle emergencies effectively.
In conclusion, the tragic events at Trisha Hospital highlight the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures in healthcare safety. The swift response from fire services, the immediate actions taken by the H&FW Department, and the formation of a special task force are steps in the right direction. However, the ultimate goal must be to create an environment where such incidents are prevented, ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients and healthcare workers in Odisha.
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