Karachi Hospitals Get 3-Day Deadline to Complete Fire Safety Measures

Government hospitals in Karachi have been given a three-day deadline to implement fire safety measures and provide verified compliance reports. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has instructed all medical institutions and hospitals to assess their current fire safety protocols and rectify any deficiencies. Hospitals are required to ensure the presence of sufficient fire extinguishers, particularly in critical areas such as wards, operating rooms, laboratories, storage spaces, and kitchens.

Additionally, fire alarm and detection systems must be installed and functioning properly. Evacuation routes must remain clear and accessible, with evacuation plans and safety instructions displayed in visible locations. Authorities have emphasized the identification of potential fire hazards and sensitive areas, with preventive measures to be taken promptly.

Electrical installations, wiring, generators, kitchens, and oxygen storage areas must be regularly inspected to minimize fire risks. Hospital personnel will be mandated to undergo regular fire safety training and participate in evacuation drills. Heads of medical institutions have been directed to ensure strict adherence to all safety measures.

The orders come in the wake of a recent incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, prompting authorities to warn of serious consequences for neglecting fire safety regulations.