Bhubaneswar: Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling on Sunday directed officials to strictly enforce fire safety norms in government hospitals and ensure regular inspections.
Mahaling issued the directive while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Health Department at Lok Seva Bhavan.
He stressed the need for periodic monitoring and strict adherence to fire safety standards across all government healthcare facilities. The minister asked officials to implement the decisions taken during the meeting with urgency and ensure timely action.
Fire safety preparedness in medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and other health centres was reviewed during the meeting.
Mahaling emphasised that emergency response systems must remain robust and said patient safety should be treated as the top priority.
He directed that fire-fighting equipment in all hospitals must remain fully functional and undergo regular checks, along with mock drills.
He also called for coordination with the Works Department and Fire Services Department to strengthen safety measures.
The minister said the safety of patients and the public remains the government’s top priority and warned that negligence in this regard will not be tolerated. He urged officials to remain vigilant in the coming days.
Senior officials, including the Health Secretary, Special Secretary, Chief District Medical Officers, and heads of medical colleges, attended the meeting, with several participants joining virtually.
