ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the suspension of eight officials of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and directed the initiation of criminal proceedings against those held responsible for the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies at the hospital’s Mother and Child Healthcare Centre.
The decision was taken after an interim report of the high-level inquiry committee was presented to the prime minister during a meeting in Lahore. The committee was constituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident and identify administrative, safety and operational failures.
Those named for action include Pims Executive Director Prof Dr Imran Sikandar, Head of Neonatology Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Nagham, Joint Executive Director MCH Dr Mutahir Shah, Joint Executive Director (Non-Medical) Chaudhry Waris Ali Raza, Director MCH Dr Nosheela Amjad, CDA Director General CES Dr Abdul Rehman and Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman.
The prime minister directed that the officials face both departmental action and criminal proceedings under the relevant laws. He also approved action against the private security company responsible for security arrangements at Pims and its officials.
The inquiry committee’s interim findings said the exact source of ignition had not yet been conclusively established. The committee noted that forensic, technical and documentary examinations were still required to determine precisely how the fire started and to establish individual responsibility.
However, the report stressed that uncertainty over the initial spark should not prevent authorities from examining the safety failures that allegedly allowed the incident to escalate into a mass-casualty tragedy.
CCTV Reconstruction of Fire
The committee reconstructed the incident through CCTV footage, describing it as the most objective available record of the sequence of events.
According to the footage, the first visible sign of an emergency appeared at approximately 6:38:15am, when charge nurse Nasreen rushed out of the nursery seeking assistance. Around 20 seconds later, she and security guard Maria entered the nursery, with flames visible in the footage.
Staff nurse Razia Noreen entered the nursery at about 6:38:56am and emerged just eight seconds later carrying a newborn, thereby saving the child. She subsequently attempted to re-enter the nursery.
Hospital officials said 15 newborns were present in the ward when the fire broke out and one was rescued.
Serious Fire-Safety Gaps Highlighted
The interim report identified several serious deficiencies in the hospital’s fire and emergency preparedness.
The committee recommended an immediate hospital-wide fire, life-safety and electrical audit, beginning with high-risk areas including the neonatal nursery, intensive care units and operating theatres.
It called for physical inspection and testing of smoke and heat detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, emergency lighting, electrical protection systems and designated emergency exits.
The committee also recommended urgent inspection of incubators, warmers, air-conditioning systems, IVAC installations, electrical sockets, plugs, distribution boards, circuit breakers and earthing systems in high-risk clinical areas.
Where automatic fire detection or protection systems were deficient, the report recommended temporary fire-watch arrangements.
The committee further called for practical fire and neonatal evacuation drills involving doctors, nurses, security personnel and engineering staff.
Emergency Response System to Be Strengthened
The inquiry recommended establishment of a clear and tested emergency notification and incident-command system at Pims.
Under the proposed mechanism, detection of a fire should immediately trigger an internal alarm, mobilisation of designated emergency responders and direct notification of the relevant emergency services, including CES/Rescue 1122.
The committee said responsibility for every stage of the emergency response should be assigned to a clearly designated officer and the system should be tested regularly.
It also recommended that every safety deficiency identified in previous inspections and inquiries be entered into a time-bound compliance mechanism, with a responsible officer, deadline and independent verification of corrective action.
Previous Fire Also Reported
The inquiry was informed that a fire had broken out at the Pims nursing hostel in July, about a month before the deadly nursery fire, but no significant safety measures were reportedly implemented afterwards.
The committee also noted that Pims did not have an officer specifically responsible for dealing with fires and other emergencies. An assistant director had been given the additional responsibility.
The meeting was further briefed about the hospital’s deteriorating physical condition and management issues.
Nurse Razia to Receive Sitara-i-Khidmat
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat and a cash award of Rs1 million for nurse Razia Noreen in recognition of her courage in rescuing a newborn during the fire.
The prime minister praised her for risking her own life to save the child and described her actions as an exceptional example of responsibility and humanity.
New Pims Executive Director Appointed
The prime minister also directed that National Institutes of Health Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammad Salman be appointed acting Executive Director of Pims. New officials will be appointed to replace those removed from their positions.
He further ordered the immediate publication of the inquiry committee’s preliminary report and directed the committee to complete its comprehensive investigation.
PM Shehbaz said those responsible for criminal negligence would receive no leniency and would be brought to justice. He stressed that exemplary punishment was necessary to prevent another tragedy in which mothers lose their children because of negligence or failure to maintain safety standards.
Calls for Wider Investigation
The Pims tragedy has triggered widespread concern and calls for accountability. The Senate has unanimously sought a special committee to investigate the incident, while the National Assembly has also called for an impartial inquiry and strict action over negligence and safety lapses.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has also backed a broader investigation, saying the tragedy should become a basis for fundamental reforms in the country’s health sector.
The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each affected family.
The tragedy has consequently raised serious questions about fire safety, emergency preparedness, hospital management and enforcement of safety regulations at major public healthcare facilities.
