The inquiry into the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has exposed serious failures in fire safety, emergency preparedness and hospital administration, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order the immediate suspension of eight officials and disciplinary as well as criminal proceedings against those found responsible.
The fire broke out in the hospital’s neonatal ward on August 26, killing 14 newborn babies. Only one of the 15 infants in the nursery survived. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious questions about safety arrangements at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals.
According to the interim inquiry report presented to the prime minister, the nursery lacked essential fire alarms and sprinkler systems. The committee also identified shortcomings in emergency response arrangements and found that the administration had failed to take adequate preventive measures despite an earlier fire incident at the PIMS Nursing Hostel in July.
The report noted that the hospital administration should have strengthened fire-safety arrangements, conducted emergency drills, ensured the proper functioning of firefighting equipment and developed detailed standard operating procedures for dealing with emergencies. The committee concluded that these necessary measures were not taken with the required level of diligence and duty of care.
The inquiry also examined the response to the fire. Reports said the blaze spread rapidly through the nursery, while emergency services were contacted several minutes after the fire began and arrived later. The absence of adequate safety systems made it extremely difficult to evacuate the newborns in time.
Following the interim findings, the prime minister approved the suspension of eight officials associated with PIMS and other relevant agencies. Departmental proceedings have been ordered, while criminal proceedings are also being initiated against those found responsible for negligence.
The inquiry committee has not yet determined the precise cause of the fire, and further facts regarding the presence and responsibilities of staff at the time of the incident are expected to be examined in its final report.
The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger fire-safety standards in hospitals across Pakistan, particularly in neonatal and intensive-care units where patients may be unable to evacuate without assistance. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that similar safety failures are identified and addressed before another tragedy occurs.
