Newborn Ward Safety Concerns Rise After PIMS Fire Tragedy
An Islamabad tragedy has exposed newborn ward safety concerns across Pakistan. Fourteen infants died at PIMS after flames engulfed their ward. The deaths have prompted inspections, meetings and fresh orders. However, many hospitals still lack evidence of regular drills, alarms and trained emergency teams.
Warnings That Went Unheard
A 2017 Wafaqi Mohtasib report flagged overcrowding, old infrastructure and weak management at PIMS. Yet authorities did not address those concerns. Lahore facilities report extinguishers, hydrants and alarms. Still, questions remain about their condition and regular testing.Several hospitals have faced incidents. A store blaze at Children’s Hospital Lahore lasted nearly seven hours in 2022. Jinnah Hospital also faced an operating theatre blaze that year. Services Hospital recorded a theatre fire in 2020.
These cases show why written plans alone cannot protect patients. An exit must stay clear. Staff must know how to use equipment. In addition, every shift needs people who can lead an evacuation.
Hospitals Need Constant Readiness
Karachi faces similar concerns. NICH reportedly lacks an alarm system, while some extinguishers need attention. Jinnah Hospital last held a fire drill in 2017, despite serving thousands of patients.Civil Hospital reports regular drills and many extinguishers. However, it lacks designated evacuation routes across its network. Abbasi Shaheed Hospital reportedly has few extinguishers and no alarm system.
Peshawar hospitals have also drawn scrutiny. Authorities formed inspection committees after the Islamabad incident. Meanwhile, some administrations say their equipment works and drills occur every three months.Experts say hospitals need routine audits, alarms, clear exits and trained staff. Rescue teams should also conduct exercises with employees. Therefore, governments must treat preparedness as a daily duty, not a reaction to tragedy.A newborn cannot escape danger alone. Every minute matters. Pakistan’s hospitals need action before another family pays the price.
