Odisha announces Rs 5 lakh to kin of dead in fire tragedy

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each of those killed in Monday's fire at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital here.

"The Chief Minister has announced the ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the victims' families," said a release from the Chief Minister's office.

The state government had earlier announced free treatment for the fire victims undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Earlier, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University, which runs the hospital had announced Rs 5 lakh to be given to the families of each of the deceased. It had also said that it would bear all medical expenses of the injured persons.

While 21 persons have died in the fire tragedy, over 100 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the twin cities.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has decided to conduct a fire safety audit at all government-run healthcare facilities across the state.

"Fire safety audit at government hospitals in the district, sub-divisional level, and medical colleges would be conducted. The fire safety measures will be reviewed. One month's time has been given to Energy and Works department to submit their requirements after inspection," said Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi.

--IANS

cd/sm/dg