Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): Only 17 out of 241 government hospitals in Odisha that are required to have Fire Safety Certificates currently hold valid certificates, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday.
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The figure means just 7.05 per cent of the government hospitals covered by the mandatory fire-safety requirement have valid certification.
241 Govt Hospitals Require Certification
In a written reply to a question raised by Basta MLA Subasini Jena, the Chief Minister said Fire Safety Certificates are mandatory for 241 of the state’s 747 government medical colleges and hospitals, District Headquarters Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and Community Health Centres.
The requirement comes under the Odisha Fire Safety Rules, 2017, along with subsequent amendments.
Of the 241 facilities requiring certification, only 17 have obtained valid Fire Safety Certificates, according to the government’s reply.
Hospitals Asked To Apply
The Chief Minister said government hospitals that have not yet obtained the mandatory certificates have been advised to apply in accordance with the prescribed rules.
He further stated that steps are being taken under the Odisha Fire Safety Rules and amended provisions to address identified deficiencies and initiate appropriate action.
Balasore Has 10 Certified Facilities
The Assembly was also informed about the fire-safety status of hospitals and health facilities in Balasore district.
There are 65 government and private medical colleges and hospitals, District Headquarters Hospitals and Community Health Centres in the district where Fire Safety Certificates are mandatory.
Of these, 10 facilities have obtained Fire Safety Certificates, according to the Chief Minister’s written reply.
The remaining government and private health facilities have been advised to obtain the certificates as per the prescribed norms.
The government has stated that corrective measures are being pursued to address fire-safety deficiencies and ensure compliance with the applicable rules.