Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Oct 19:

Union Health Minister J P Nadda today while describing the fire mishap at the Sum Hospital in the Odisha capital as ‘very shocking, worrisome and very saddening’ pointed out that there were some serious issues which had led to the incident.

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“There are some serious issues which have led to the incident. There was breach of some safety measures which should have been taken care of or should have been in place,” said Nadda at a press conference at the State Guest House here today after visiting various hospitals where patients of Sum Hospital have been relocated after the mishap.

Terming the incident as serious the Union Minister said: “Although I am told that the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) is conducting an inquiry into the incident and we are awaiting for the details of it, but this is an incident of a serious nature and we should take steps so that it is not repeated and also see to it that the culprits do not go scot free.”

“It is for the state government to take action and try to see to it that appropriate action is taken so that faith of the people is reposed in the system and healthcare. As per as Government of India is concerned we are very supportive and always supportive whatever help is needed we will be certainly giving that,” said Nadda.

The Union Minister said that he would ask his department’s officials to revisit these issues and make more stringent provisions so that protocols are followed and guidelines are adhered to accordingly though guidelines with regard to fire and safety issues are in the domain of Home department as per the Clinical Establishment Act.

“We have to see to it that such incidents that the system of management should be more comprehensive. So I on my behalf also would like to see that what issues need to be revisited and we will do it. A fresh advisory will be given very soon to all states so that such incidents do not take place in future. Here in this incident also one aspect has come up as I am told that the said hospital did not have the clearances for fire safety measures and in spite of that the hospital was running,” Nadda said while pointing out that it was a very serious issue which the state government has to take care of.

“Another issue which is interlinked with this is that the said hospital is an empanelled hospital so that means the government is recommending patients for availing services of this hospital,”  the Union Minister said.