INDIA – The Odisha government was issued with a notice by the the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in connection with Monday’s fire at SUM Hospital in Bhubaneshwar. At least 20 people were killed and 100 others were injured which is believed to have started after a short circuit in a medical unit.
The NHRC criticised the state government and its officials for allowing a large number of hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearances and any lapse by authorities would amount to a violation of the right to life of the patients. State officials have been given six weeks to report back to the NHRC on the steps taken to prevent such accidents and details of the relief and rehabilitation provided to the relatives of those who perished.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda Moreover said, “our priority is to ensure proper treatment of patients who were affected because of the fire.” He also assured the Odisha government of all necessary support for treatment of those injured.
Meanwhile, a protest was held outside the hospital to demand compensation as well as jobs for the relatives of the victims of the fire.
A police case was filed against the facility and investigators had arrested four hospital officials. SUM Hospital is owned by Manoj Nayak, a businessperson with ventures in education, television channels and newspapers.
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