In the wake of a major fire at the SUM Hospital that resulted in the death of 21 persons, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday said the Centre would issue a fresh advisory to all States so that incidents like the Odisha hospital fire mishap do not recur anywhere in the country in future.
“Taking a clue from this incident, we would revisit the guidelines of the Clinical Establishment Act and make more stringent provisions so that the protocols and guidelines are followed accordingly,” Nadda told mediapersons after meeting the fire tragedy survivors at several hospitals here.
He said the system of management should be more comprehensive.
“It is for the State Government to take action and try to see to it that appropriate action is taken so that people’s faith is reposed in medical system. I will ask my officials to revisit the issue and take steps to ensure that protocols and guidelines are followed accordingly,” said Nadda.
Describing the SUM Hospital as “very shocking and saddening”, he said a fresh advisory would be given soon to all States so that such incidents do not take place in future.
“I have found some safety issues which led to the incident. The breach of safety measures needs to be addressed proactively,” he said.
Nadda said the culprits of the incident should not go scot free.
“This incident is serious in nature. We are waiting for the inquiry report of the RDC. The State Government must ensure that culprits do not go scot free and more stringent rules should be made that the protocols and guidelines are followed,” said Nadda.
Saying that health being a State subject, he said, “The State Government has to see a protocol should be set, and they should be proactive, and react to such issues in time.”
The Central Minister reiterated that all possible support to the State for treatment of the victims would be ensured by the Centre.
“I am not here for blame game. Our priority is proper treatment of patients who have been affected due to the fire,” said Nadda.
On the deadly Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in Malkangiri district and the malaria cases in the State, Nadda wondered why such incidents are happing in Odisha frequently.
“Why such incidents are happening in Odisha time and again! In case of the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak, a lot of initiatives have been taken. Had the measures been taken in time, the situation would have been favourable. We are there to provide all the necessary support. But the State Government should ensure that all protocols are followed and should stay proactive and act in time so that such incidents do not take place,” remarked Nadda.