BHUBANESWAR: In the aftermath of the tragic fire mishap at SUM Hospital in the State Capital, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped in to ask some searching questions to the Odisha Government.
Some of the questions are: (1) How come only eight of around 1800 hospitals and nursing homes in Odisha have clearance from the State’s Department of Fire Safety? (2) Why didn’t SUM Hospital adhere to safety standards although it was reportedly warned in 2013? (3) What steps/precautions have been taken or are proposed to be taken by the State Government to prevent recurrence of such mishaps?
These questions, and several others, will have to be answered by the Odisha Government in the report on the fire demanded by the NHRC.
Serving notice on the State Government on Wednesday, the apex rights panel said the fire that killed 21 people is a violation of human rights. The Commission observed that the callous attitude and lapses of the authorities, if proven, amount to violation of the right to life of the patients. Taking suo-motu cognisance of media reports that a major fire broke out in the hospital due to suspected short circuit, the NHRC shot off a notice to the Odisha Government.
The Commission has directed Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report mentioning the relief and rehabilitation granted to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured. Chief Secretary AP Padhi has six days to submit his report.
On Tuesday, rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy had filed a petition with the Commission citing inaction of the Medical Council of India (MCI), fire and health officials for the loss of lives.
He alleged that the provisions under Fire Services bill, Fire Prevention and Safety Act (exclusively for high-rise buildings), Fire Protection and Control in the seventh schedule of Constitution and Model Rules for provision of Fire Fighting Equipment under Factories Act have not been followed to the minimum extent.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case by a team of its officials or by the Special Rapporteur, take legal action against the erring officials including cancellation of licence of all hospitals flouting norms in the State and compensation of `50 lakh to family members of the victims and `one lakh to the injured.