Dhenkanal: Panic gripped patients at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) here after a fire broke out in the staff canteen located on the 5th floor of the hospital Saturday.
While no casualties were reported, fire officials accused the medical authorities of not putting fire safety measures in place.
The incident occurred at 11.05 am when some hospital staffers were cooking in the canteen. Accidentally, a gas stove came in contact with the flames of a coal-powered stove leading to the mishap. Fire brigade rushed to the spot and doused the flames.
“After getting information, we immediately swung into action and brought the situation under control,” said assistant fire officer, Umakant Nayak.
Food was being cooked in a coal powered hearth that was being operated with the help of a battery, Nayak said, adding the hospital authorities had not applied for fire safety certificate and notice was served on them in this regard.
“Under no circumstances, the canteen should have been allowed inside the hospital,” Nayak said.
Dhenkanal sub-collector, Pitambar Samal, said action will be taken if any deviation is found in the existing fire safety norms at the hospital.
Chief district medical officer (CDMO), Basudev Behera, said permission was given to the staff to cook meals on temporary basis. However, tender will be issued shortly for a canteen while the agency cannot cook meals using heaters or electricity appliances on the hospital premises, he added.
“Work for installation of fire safety equipment is on,” the CDMO said.
PNN
