Punjab directs teaching hospitals to develop emergency response plans

LAHORE: In response to a zero-tolerance policy against safety violations, the Punjab Health Department has mandated all teaching hospitals in the province to create evacuation and emergency response plans within a day, instructed Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique during a meeting on Saturday. The session focused on preventing fire incidents in government teaching hospitals, with attendees including Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, and IDAP CEO Captain (R) Shah Mir Iqbal.

All Divisional Commissioners, Vice Chancellors, Executive Directors, Medical Superintendents, and other officials were also present.

Minister Rafique emphasized the priority of protecting patients and staff's lives and property, stressing that any negligence would face zero tolerance. Rescue 1122 regularly trains hospital staff for emergency management, and every individual, from senior officers to employees, must receive emergency response and fire safety training, the Minister stated.

Rafique directed Rescue 1122 teams to collaborate with all hospitals for comprehensive emergency planning, hazard identification, and ensuring necessary safety equipment across all facilities. Hospital administrations should address administrative issues and emergencies within their control, he added. Additionally, Vice Chancellors, Principals/EDS/Heads of Institutions, and Medical Superintendents have been instructed to immediately appoint Emergency/Fire Safety Officers in hospitals and institutions.