Patnaik Seeks Health Minister’s Resignation Over SCB Fire

Bhubaneswar: The ongoing stalemate in the Odisha Assembly intensified on Tuesday as Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik reiterated his demand for the immediate resignation of State Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling in connection with the fatal fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital.

The tragic incident, which occurred on March 16 in Cuttack, claimed the lives of at least 12 patients and left several others with serious burn injuries.

Addressing the media, the former Chief Minister expressed shock over what he described as a lack of response from the Centre, noting that nine days had passed since the incident without any visit by a Union Minister to the hospital.

“I find it shocking that even after nine days of the terrible deaths of patients at the SCB Medical College and Hospital, not a single Union Minister has visited the hospital at Cuttack. This is truly shocking,” Patnaik said. He also drew comparisons with a past incident during his tenure, when Union ministers had visited a private medical college following a similar tragedy.

Reaffirming his party’s stand, Patnaik said the BJD would continue its agitation until the Health Minister steps down. “Certainly, the BJD will continue its agitation,” he asserted.

The Assembly proceedings were once again disrupted, with Opposition members from both the BJD and Congress staging protests near the Speaker’s podium, holding placards and banners. They demanded not only the resignation of the Health Minister but also strict action against the then superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital.

Despite efforts by Speaker Surama Padhy to maintain order, repeated disruptions forced multiple adjournments, and the House was eventually adjourned till 4 PM.

Efforts to break the deadlock through all-party meetings over the past few days have failed to yield any resolution. The Opposition has been stalling proceedings since March 17 over the SCB Hospital fire tragedy.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP accused the BJD of deliberately disrupting the House to divert attention from the controversy surrounding the Biju-Naveen Inspirational Trust, alleging that such actions are leading to a waste of public money.