The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed shock on how the state authorities allow hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearance. Following the death of 22 persons in Odisha on October 17 at SUM Hospital and Medical College in Bhubaneshwar, NHRC has issued a notice to the state government. Reportedly, the hospital in question came under the scanner as early as 2013, for not adhering to the safety measures, but the hospital authorities ignored it. Shockingly, in Odisha, out of 568 hospitals, only 3 have clearance from the department of fire safety. The fire reportedly started in the Operation Theatre of the Dialysis Ward and spread to ICU and nearby wards.

Source: dna October 20, 2016 01:41 UTC