At least 10 patients were killed after a major fire broke out at the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early on Monday.
The fire, which started in the ICU of the Trauma Care department, also left 11 hospital staff members with burn injuries while they attempted to rescue the patients.
Reports suggest the fire erupted around 2:30 am in the ICU, where critically ill patients were being treated.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital to assess the situation and met the patients currently undergoing treatment.
Speaking to the media, Majhi said that the fire was likely caused by a short-circuit. It affected not only the Trauma Care ICU but also adjoining ICU areas and wards.
“A total of 23 patients have been relocated to other departments. Seven patients died while being transferred to other ICUs and wards, while three more succumbed to their injuries later,” he said.
The chief minister also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased victims.
