Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing expansion works and infrastructure development projects at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka, stressing the need for quality construction, enhanced fire safety measures and improved patient facilities at the state’s premier healthcare institution.
The Minister visited SCB Medical College and Hospital and conducted a detailed review of the progress of various ongoing projects, including infrastructure expansion, safety arrangements and other essential facilities.
During his visit, he inspected the newly constructed hospital block, postgraduate hostel, resident doctors’ hostel and assistant professors’ residential quarters.
Dr Mahaling held discussions with officials regarding the progress of the construction works and assessed the quality of execution. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain strict quality standards and ensure timely completion of all projects.
The Minister said the state government is committed to establishing an advanced, modern and patient-friendly healthcare system in Odisha. He said SCB Medical College and Hospital, being one of the largest healthcare institutions in the state, holds a special significance and improving its infrastructure, patient care services and academic facilities remains a priority.
During the review meeting, Dr Mahaling focused on strengthening fire safety arrangements across the hospital campus. He directed officials to ensure that fire extinguishers, emergency exits, fire alarm systems and other safety equipment remain functional in every building. He also stressed the importance of conducting regular safety audits and mock drills to improve emergency preparedness.
“Safety of patients and their attendants should be given the highest priority,” the Minister said, directing officials to take all necessary measures to further strengthen safety protocols at the hospital.
Dr Mahaling also reviewed patient amenities, sanitation facilities, water supply, power supply, transportation arrangements and other support services available on the hospital premises. He instructed officials to immediately address shortcomings, if any, and ensure better and more convenient services for patients and their families.
The Minister said the objective of the expansion projects is not only to improve healthcare delivery but also to create a better working environment for doctors, healthcare workers and medical students. He added that the development of new infrastructure would strengthen medical education and enhance the overall healthcare system of the state. 
He directed officials to closely monitor the progress of all projects and ensure that quality is maintained at every stage. The Minister emphasised that the upgraded facilities at SCB should benefit patients, doctors and students alike.
The inspection comes as part of the state government’s efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve public health services across Odisha.
Kataka Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi, Choudwar-Kataka MLA Souvic Biswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Aswathy S., authorities of SCB Medical College and Hospital, officials of the executing agency and senior officers of the Health and Family Welfare Department were present during the visit.
