Dhenkanal: Even as 24 hours have passed since fire broke out on the 5th floor of the district headquarters hospital here, the health department authorities are allegedly trying to cover up the incident and yet to take action against the wrongdoers, a report said.
The hospital authorities and the district health department are trying to shield the wrongdoers and heap the blame on the subordinate staff, sources said.
The Collector had directed the authorities to take action against those responsible for the mishap.
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. No casualties were reported but fire officials blamed the hospital authorities of not putting fire safety measures in place.
“Firefighters struggled hard 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 while a notice was served on them earlier in this regard. The assistant fire officer said that under no circumstances, the canteen should have been allowed inside the hospital.
Chief district medical officer Dr Basudev Behera said show-cause notice will be issued and action taken against the persons responsible for the mishap after receiving the probe report from the ADMO.
PNN