Cuttack: Days after the fire mishap at the Trauma ICU of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack, advanced fire safety system has been installed at the hospital's new building to avoid such incidents.
The newly constructed world-class hospital building has been equipped with modern mechanisms designed to stop the spread of fire and ensure patients' safety. Fire doors have been installed in every room. In case of a fire, these doors will automatically shut, preventing flames from spreading to adjacent rooms.
Fire-resistant electrical wiring has been used throughout the building. These wires can withstand fire for up to two hours without getting damaged, ensuring that the power supply remains uninterrupted during emergencies.
To address the risk of suffocation, an automated smoke management system has been put in place. If a fire breaks out, smoke will be expelled from the affected room while fresh air will be pumped in. This is expected to significantly reduce the chances of patients facing breathing difficulties.
The new building project, built at a cost of Rs 2,636 crore, has a total capacity of 2,058 beds. Several key departments, including general medicine, nephrology, haematology, neurology, gastroenterology, specialised surgery, general surgery, and trauma care, will operate from the new facility.
Each room has been fitted with automatic sprinklers placed at intervals of three metres. These sprinklers will activate immediately in case of fire. Additionally, the central air conditioning system will automatically shut down in the affected area to prevent smoke circulation, while also helping in controlled ventilation.
Authorities said that even during a fire, electricity supply and lift services will remain functional, aiding evacuation and emergency response. The fire-resistant infrastructure is expected to provide a crucial window of up to two hours for firefighters to bring the situation under control.