Cuttack: Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan conducted an on-site review of the ongoing under-construction projects at Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on Wednesday.
The minister was accompanied by senior secretaries, departmental officers, and officials from the executing agencies.During the inspection, the minister assessed progress on key infrastructure developments, including the new clinical unit building towers and residential complexes aimed at modernizing the state’s premier healthcare institution.
Expressing dissatisfaction over delays, Harichandan noted that the residential complex was expected to be completed by March as per commitments made in the previous review meeting. “The timeline set earlier has not been met, and this delay is unacceptable,” he stated, urging accelerated efforts to avoid further setbacks.
On a positive note, the minister announced that the new clinical unit building (Towers 1 and 2) has seen substantial completion of construction works. “All major structural work on the clinical unit towers is now finished, and the building is slated to become fully functional by June 30,” he confirmed.
Once operational, this facility is expected to significantly enhance patient care capacity and ease pressure on existing infrastructure.The minister also addressed concerns related to a recent fire incident at the hospital premises. He revealed that the old building, which is over 60 years old, remains in use amid ongoing redevelopment.
“Restoration of the old building will commence only after the new clinical unit becomes operational on June 30,” Harichandan explained.
Regarding the fire incident, a departmental investigation is currently underway, with a dedicated fact-finding team—including technical experts—formed to probe the cause. Additionally, a judicial inquiry into the incident is set to begin shortly. A separate fact-finding committee, including the Development Commissioner, has also been constituted.
