Pims starts referring serious gynae cases to other Rawalpindi hospitals

Islamabad, Pakistan - In the wake of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborns in a gynecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Wednesday, the hospital has temporarily decided to refer serious gynecological cases to other hospitals in Rawalpindi, according to sources. The fire, which health officials believe was caused by a "blast in the air conditioner," prompted widespread condemnation and grief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly removed the federal health secretary on Wednesday as an investigation was launched.

A senior gynecologist, who wished to remain anonymous, informed reporters that the hospital does not have a refusal policy and accepts all cases. However, the lack of a nursery due to the fire damage and the time required for renovation and repairs led to the decision to refer very serious cases to other hospitals. Even on Thursday, the hospital had three or four deliveries, which could be considered "serious," but the hospital realized that other healthcare facilities may not be able to handle such a high volume of cases.

Newly appointed Health Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Mehmood, who took charge on Thursday, has begun efforts to introduce new technology to address the issues. He emphasized that the infrastructure should meet international standards and governance should be improved. Mehmood, who will run the ministry from Pims for most of the time, stated that he understands the health sector and can effectively handle the administration.

When questioned about his strategy, he mentioned the era of technology and stated that all possibilities are available.