The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to Odisha government over the recent fire incident in a Bhubaneswar hospital resulting in death of 22 persons.
Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the commission sought a report including the relief and rehabilitation granted to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured from the state Chief Secretary within six weeks.
According to the media report, due to suspected short circuit, a major fire broke out in the SUM Hospital and Medical College in Bhubaneswar two days back.
Earlier, the hospital authority had reportedly ignored the safety measures despite warning in 2013. In Odisha, out of 568 hospitals, only 3 have fire safety clearance.
The Commission has observed that callous attitude and lapses of the authorities amount to violation of right to life of the patients.
It has expressed shock how the State authorities allowed such a large number of hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearance.