After deadly blaze at Pims, Punjab authorities, hospitals told to ensure fire safety
Hospitals and relevant authorities across Punjab have been directed to take fire safety measures, with provincial chief executive Maryam Nawaz instructing a fresh audit of arrangements at healthcare facilities. The directives have been issued after a deadly fire killed 14 infants at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Wednesday. The fire broke out on the third floor of…
Provincial Chief Executive Maryam Nawaz has ordered hospitals and relevant authorities across Punjab to conduct a thorough review of fire safety measures. The directive followed a deadly blaze at Islamabad's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) which killed 14 infants. The fire is believed to have started from a spark in the air conditioner.
Witnesses reported waiting for hours before breaking windows to reach the neonatal intensive care unit, which was locked. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the directives in an X post, quoting Maryam's instructions for a fresh audit of fire safety arrangements at healthcare facilities within 24 hours. The audit must assess the functionality of fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment, the suitability and accessibility of emergency exits, and the installation of new hydrant points.
Rescue 1122 is also tasked with identifying and installing necessary hydrant points within or close to health facilities within a week. Health secretaries are to review the safety of air conditioners, electric wiring, and electro-medical equipment, with a compliance report due by August 29. Monthly emergency drills in healthcare facilities are to become a permanent feature to ensure continuous assessment of compliance with emergency parameters.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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