Bhubaneswar: The Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar has not yet received a fire safety certificate, raising serious concerns over patient safety, especially in the wake of the recent fire mishap at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

According to reports, the Fire Services Department has been conducting monthly inspections at the hospital and repeatedly informing the hospital authorities about deficiencies. However, hospital officials have allegedly been citing the old building as a reason for delays in compliance.

Although steps were initiated in 2023 to strengthen fire safety systems, progress has reportedly been slow. The Works Department, which is responsible for implementing these measures, has also been accused of delaying the process. As a result, several departments within the hospital are still not fully integrated with proper fire safety mechanisms.

The issue has gained urgency following the tragic fire mishap at the SCB Medical College and Hospital, where 12 patients lost their lives. In response, the state government has directed all hospitals to strictly enforce fire safety norms. However, Capital Hospital, considered one of the prominent government healthcare facilities in Odisha, appears to be falling short of compliance.

While fire extinguishers have been installed in ICUs, corridors, and various departments, key safety parameters such as emergency exits, water storage systems, and fire alarms are reportedly not fully functional or properly maintained. Due to these shortcomings, the Fire Services Department has not issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any building or department within the hospital.

Notably, the 24-hour emergency ward and triage areas lack adequate fire safety arrangements, with only limited installation of fire extinguishers in some locations.

Assistant Fire Officer Manoranjan Rout said that inspection teams visit the hospital every month and provide necessary recommendations to departments requiring improvements. He added that mock drills are also conducted regularly to raise awareness among hospital staff.

Capital Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Dhananjay Das said that an application for the fire safety certificate has already been submitted. He expressed hope that approval will be granted soon. He also assured that fire safety systems will be installed in the emergency ward in the near future.