Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 16: One of the biggest health institutions in the state, Capital Hospital is abysmally ill-prepared when it comes to handling emergency situations such as fire mishaps.
The government hospital, which witnesses a daily inflow of thousands of patients from all parts of the state, has merely three fire extinguishers on its premises.
The hospital has an indoor facility for up to 500 patients, and offers several major facilities to patients ranging from regular check-ups to treatment for deadly cancers.
“Hospitals of such high stature should have adequate security measures for patients. In a hospital, patients are usually not in a position to quickly vacate the hospital by themselves in any emergency situation. There has to be adequate measures, and authorities should look into this before such a mishap strikes,” said Prashant Maharana, an attendant here.
Capital Hospital has nearly 27 wards, with only three wards equipped with fire extinguishers. They have been installed at the outdoor, maternity and surgery wards while other wards and departments are all devoid of this basic, must-have security feature.
“Procurement of fire extinguishers for the 24 wards will be done with funds from Rogi Kalyan Samiti. The installation requires a sum of `6 lakh. Procurement will be done and the installation will begin soon,” said BB Patnaik, director Capital Hospital.
