Islamabad's PIMS Hospital fire inquiry finds safety measures below global standards

Treatment and facilities at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where several children died in a fire, were found below global standards in the initial inquiry, said an inquiry report about the tragedy.

The inquiry report, submitted to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, also identified the causes of the deadly incident and determined those responsible for the tragedy, officials said.

PM Shahbaz ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials, including the Executive Director (ED) of PIMS, over a fire at the hospital that claimed the lives of 14 infants.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the premier made the decision based on an inquiry committee’s recommendations in its interim report, which was presented during a high-level meeting in Lahore.

The eight individuals are namely PIMS ED Dr Rana Imran Sikander, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Chaudhry Awais Ali Shah, head of neonatal department Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Nagham, Dr Naushila Amjad, Pims Security Assistant Director Mohammad Usman, and Dr Abdulrehman, the director general of the Emergency Services of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

RS1 MILLION REWARD FOR NURSE WHO SAVED AN INFANT

Shahbaz also approved a Sitara-e-Khidmat award and Rs1 million for nurse Razia Noreen who “saved a child without regard for her own life,” the PMO noted. Hospital officials said there were 15 newborn babies in the ward at the time of the fire, one of which was saved.

The premier paid tribute to the nurse, lauding her for saving the child “a few moments before destruction due to the fire.”

The findings came three days after 14 infants died when a fire broke out at around 6:45am in the ICU on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward at PIMS. The nursery housed 15 newborns at the time, with only one infant rescued.

Former interior secretary Shahid Khan, who headed the high-level inquiry committee constituted on the prime minister's directive, submitted the report to the office of the premier’s Adviser Tauqir Hussain Shah.

Jaweria (C), who said she lost her child in the fire, reacts following a blaze at the Mother and Child Health ward of PIMS Hospital. AFP

Shah subsequently forwarded it to the prime minister and briefed him on its key findings and recommendations, officials said.

The report recommended immediate action against those held responsible for the incident, along with disciplinary proceedings against relevant PIMS staff members who were absent when the fire broke out.

The committee also documented difficulties faced by rescue teams during the emergency response and included statements from fire brigade and rescue personnel. Furthermore, interviews with PIMS administration officials and doctors also formed part of the report.

It observed that "nothing was according to international standards" at PIMS, while highlighting deficiencies in treatment and available facilities, according to officials.

The committee also made recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve emergency preparedness and response mechanisms at the hospital.

The committee comprised Shahid Khan as chairman, Major General (retd) Dr Khurshid Utra, establishment secretary Dr Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan and the Islamabad deputy commissioner.

Meanwhile, the PIMS administration decided to keep the hospital fully operational on Sunday, with the administration and accounts branch also working their normal schedules.

All relevant officers and staff have been directed to ensure their attendance during designated working hours, according to a circular issued by the hospital administration.