LAHORE, Aug 27 (Alliance News): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a fresh safety audit of public sector hospitals and health facilities across the province following the death of 14 newborns in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad.
According to instructions issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, authorities have been directed to complete the audit within 24 hours and submit a report on fire safety arrangements, emergency exits and firefighting equipment.
The provincial government has asked deputy commissioners to inspect the availability and functionality of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment at public hospitals and health facilities.
They have also been directed to assess emergency exits in consultation with Rescue 1122 teams and ensure that evacuation routes are accessible and suitable for emergencies.
The instructions include a review of hydrant points at hospitals. Rescue 1122 has been tasked with checking the availability and functionality of hydrants and identifying locations where additional hydrants are required.
Relevant departments have been given one week to complete necessary repair, rectification and installation work.
The government has also ordered a comprehensive inspection of air-conditioning systems, electrical wiring and electro-medical equipment at hospitals to identify potential safety hazards.
The health departments have been directed to submit compliance reports by August 29.
Under the new instructions, deputy commissioners, with the assistance of Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments, will conduct monthly emergency drills at health facilities to ensure that staff remain prepared to respond to fires and other emergencies.
The chief minister has also directed the health departments and the CEO of the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) to prepare a feasibility report for installing modern fire safety systems.
The proposed systems include technology-driven fire alarms, smoke detectors and water sprinkler systems at intensive care units, nurseries, emergency departments, district and tehsil headquarters hospitals and tertiary care hospitals across Punjab.
The measures were ordered after the Pims tragedy raised serious concerns over fire safety, emergency exits, firefighting equipment and the preparedness of healthcare facilities to deal with emergencies involving critically ill patients and newborns.
