Summary：Chief Minister Majhi Rushes to SCB Hospital Fire, Demands Immediate Aid **Introduction** A sudden

Chief Minister Majhi Rushes to SCB Hospital Fire, Demands Immediate Aid

**Introduction**
A sudden blaze erupted at the state‑run SCB Hospital in the early hours of Thursday, sending thick smoke into the corridors and prompting an urgent evacuation of patients and staff. Chief Minister Majhi arrived on the scene within minutes, touring the damaged wards and ordering emergency services to prioritize life‑saving assistance. The incident has reignited public concern over hospital safety protocols and the readiness of health infrastructure to cope with disasters.

**Key Developments**
Fire officials reported that the blaze originated in the hospital’s electrical room, spreading rapidly due to outdated wiring and insufficient fire‑suppression systems. Over 120 patients were moved to nearby facilities, while three staff members suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. Chief Minister Majhi, visibly shaken, announced the immediate release of ₹25 crore from the state disaster relief fund for medical supplies, temporary shelters, and structural repairs. He also directed the health secretary to convene a high‑level committee within 48 hours to audit fire safety compliance across all government hospitals. Opposition leaders praised the swift response but called for a transparent investigation into possible negligence.

**Industry Analysis**
The SCB Hospital fire highlights systemic gaps in India’s public‑health infrastructure. A 2022 audit by the National Disaster Management Authority found that only 38 % of government hospitals met the prescribed fire‑safety norms, with many lacking functional sprinkler systems, regular electrical inspections, and staff training drills. Experts note that aging buildings, budget constraints, and fragmented maintenance responsibilities exacerbate vulnerability. Comparatively, private hospitals in urban centers have adopted advanced detection technologies and quarterly safety audits, resulting in lower incident rates. The tragedy at SCB underscores the need for uniform enforcement of safety standards, increased capital allocation for retrofitting older facilities, and mandatory certification for hospital electrical work.

**Future Outlook**
In the