Bhubaneswar, March 17 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg to submit a report on the devastating fire at the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which has claimed 12 lives.
While hearing a complaint lodged by Manoj Jena, the NHRC directed the chief secretary to submit the report within 15 days on Monday.
The complainant has drawn the attention of the commission to the fire incident that occurred in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the trauma care center at the hospital early on Monday.
The fire reportedly broke out due to a suspected electrical short circuit in the ICU located on the first floor of the casualty department building.
About 23 patients were being treated in the ICU at the time of the incident. Of them, 12 patients have died and four others are under critical care.
"The complainant alleges gross negligence and lack of adequate fire safety measures by the hospital authorities. Furthermore, the rescue operations were allegedly delayed," the NHRC noted.
The complainant has requested the commission to intervene and initiate a high-level inquiry and take action against the responsible authorities. He has also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased and Rs 50 lakh for the injured.
Jena has also requested the formulation of safety guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.
The NHRC has noted that the allegations in the complaint constitute serious violations of the human rights of the victims. Accordingly, the NHRC has directed its registry to send a copy of the complaint to the chief secretary of Odisha to examine the matter and submit the report expeditiously within a period of 15 days.