Pims fire tragedy: A call to reassess hospital emergency preparedness
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025563
A devastating fire engulfed the maternity ward of Pakistan's prestigious Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad's capital on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 14 infant patients. The blaze, attributed to a malfunctioning air conditioner, erupted on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward, as reported by Islamabad district authorities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the death toll of 14 infants, while Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stated that 19 individuals, including seven children, were rescued. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal revealed that CCTV footage indicated a spark from the faulty air conditioner igniting the fire within a minute. Despite 26 fire extinguishers being deployed, the hospital lacked water sprinklers.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of thick black smoke, trapped infants, and delayed emergency response. Funerals began on the same day, with families gathering outside the hospital to mourn their losses. Prime Minister Sharif vowed to investigate the incident and called for strict action against those responsible, while Deputy Interior Minister Chaudhry denied reports of delayed rescue efforts.
UNICEF expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and called for an urgent review of fire safety standards in healthcare facilities.
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