A fresh infrastructure scare has emerged from SCB Medical College and Hospital after a portion of the ceiling collapsed inside its haematology department on Tuesday night. The incident has once again raised serious questions about patient safety and maintenance standards at one of Odisha’s leading government healthcare institutions.
Ceiling Falls Inside Patient Toilet, No Injuries Reported
According to reports, the ceiling collapse occurred inside a patient toilet within the haematology department. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as the area was unoccupied at the time. However, the incident has triggered panic and concern among patients, attendants, and staff present in the hospital.
Patients Allege Negligence in Maintenance
Patients and their relatives have blamed the hospital administration for negligence, claiming that the ceiling had been in a deteriorating condition for a long time.
A patient’s attendant stated that despite visible signs of structural weakness, no repair work was carried out. The incident has intensified criticism over the lack of timely inspections and maintenance of hospital infrastructure.
Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first such case at the hospital. Earlier this year on January 7, a portion of the roof reportedly collapsed in the old medicine ward, leaving an elderly patient injured. Repeated incidents have raised concerns about the overall structural integrity of the hospital buildings.
Fire Tragedy Still Fresh in Public Memory
The latest incident comes close on the heels of a tragic fire at the hospital’s Trauma ICU, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The disaster had already sparked outrage over safety protocols and emergency preparedness within the facility.
The back-to-back incidents have further deepened public concern about infrastructure safety and risk management practices at the hospital.
Confusion Over Maintenance Responsibility
The incident has also highlighted a lack of clarity regarding maintenance responsibilities. A senior engineer from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) division indicated that toilet maintenance falls under the jurisdiction of WATCO’s Cuttack division.
However, officials from Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board clarified that their role is limited to water supply and does not include construction or structural maintenance. The officials have proposed a joint inspection involving hospital authorities and the R&B department to assess the condition of the facilities.
Authorities Yet to Issue Detailed Statement
Hospital authorities have not yet released a detailed explanation regarding the cause of the ceiling collapse. Meanwhile, local activists and public representatives are demanding an immediate structural audit of the entire hospital along with urgent repairs.
Growing Demand for Safety Audit
With repeated infrastructure failures and past tragedies, there is mounting pressure on the state government and hospital administration to ensure strict safety checks, accountability, and long-term maintenance planning.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard patients and healthcare workers in government hospitals.
