Pims fire tragedy: PM orders suspension and criminal action against eight officials
The decision came during a high-level meeting where the interim inquiry report on the deadly fire was presented. The fire in the gynaecology ward’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) killed 14 infants, while only one baby was rescued.
The eight people named include Pims Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Chaudhry Dr Owais Ali Shah. Others include Neonatal Department Head Professor Dr Sadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheela Amjad, Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman and CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman.
The prime minister directed that those found responsible face both departmental and criminal proceedings. He also approved action against the hospital’s security company and ordered that removed officials be replaced immediately.
Serious safety failures revealed
The interim inquiry report pointed to major weaknesses in Pims’ emergency preparedness and fire-safety system. It said the hospital lacked detailed SOPs and proper training for dealing with fires and other emergencies.
Of the hospital’s 13 SOPs, only two sub-sections mentioned fire or emergency situations. The inquiry also found that supervisory staff were not present when the fire started.
Two nurses, a female security guard and a house officer were in the ward at the time. According to the briefing, the fire spread across the entire ward within about two minutes.
Emergency response questioned
The inquiry found that emergency services were called six minutes after the fire began. The first emergency response reached the hospital 15 minutes after the call.
Pims also had no officer specifically responsible for handling emergencies such as fires. Instead, the assistant director was given this responsibility in addition to other duties.
The neonatal ward also had no fire alarm or sprinkler system, according to the briefing. The inquiry further reported violations of relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) rules for neonatal wards.
Nurse honoured for saving baby
One nurse reportedly put her life at risk and rescued a baby before the flames spread through the ward. Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the conferment of the Sitara-e-Khidmat on the nurse in recognition of her actions.
Another nurse and a female security guard who were present in the ward were ordered to be made officers on special duty (OSD). The prime minister also directed further investigation into the incident.
Dr Muhammad Salman, CEO of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was directed to take charge as acting executive director of Pims. The prime minister was also briefed about the hospital’s poor condition and administrative problems.
A fire had also occurred at the Pims nursing hostel in July, about a month before the latest tragedy. The inquiry said serious safety improvements were not made after that earlier incident.
A CCTV video of the incident, lasting around two minutes, was shown during the meeting. Prime Minister Shehbaz said there would be no concession for anyone found guilty of criminal negligence.
“Those responsible for this incident will be brought to justice,” he said.
The inquiry points to problems that went beyond one fire incident. Weak emergency planning, missing safety equipment and delayed response all raise serious questions about hospital preparedness.
The government’s next challenge will be to ensure that the ordered action leads to real safety improvements. Stronger emergency systems could help prevent another tragedy involving vulnerable newborns.
Also read: Punjab Police begin corruption review of SHOs on CM Maryam’s orders
Also read: Maryam Nawaz’s smog-free Punjab claim faces questions over Lahore pollution
