PIMS Fire Raises Fresh Questions Over Hospital Safety
The recent PIMS tragedy has raised fresh concerns about PIMS fire safety. An inquiry had already exposed safety problems after a nursing hostel fire in July. The earlier incident injured no one, but it revealed serious gaps.The fire broke out around 3am on July 6 at the hostel reception. Three sofa sets in the lobby caught fire and suffered damage. At the time, 78 female students stayed inside the hostel.
Earlier fire exposed serious safety gaps
The inquiry committee recommended action against the hostel warden and security staff. However, investigators could not identify the exact cause of the fire. They lacked electrical and forensic evidence.Investigators found two security guards absent during their duty hours. The report also criticised hostel warden Zainab Sahar. It said she failed to maintain required records and follow safety procedures.
The inquiry also found men living inside the female hostel without permission. In addition, the building lacked several basic safety measures. These included fire alarms, CCTV cameras and an emergency plan.Authorities suspended some lower-level employees after the inquiry. However, officials did not implement the committee’s recommendations. This failure now raises serious questions about accountability.
Authorities begin checks after PIMS tragedy
Authorities have now started inspecting hospitals in Rawalpindi. They want to check fire safety arrangements after Wednesday’s deadly PIMS incident.Additional Deputy Commissioner Enforcement Abdul Rehman Khan visited Benazir Bhutto Hospital. A Rescue team accompanied him during the inspection.
However, authorities have not explained why these checks began after another tragedy. Regular inspections could identify hazards before they cause deaths or injuries.Hospitals need clear emergency plans and working fire equipment. They also need regular drills, proper records and trained staff.
Most importantly, officials must act on inspection findings. A safety inspection has little value without corrective action.The PIMS tragedy showed the risks of weak emergency preparedness. Patients face greater danger during fires because many cannot move without assistance.The Rawalpindi administration has not said whether earlier inspections found similar problems. It also has not confirmed whether officials previously reported any shortcomings at Benazir Bhutto Hospital.
