CM Maryam orders fire safety systems in Punjab hospitals
The directive comes as officials step up inspections of safety arrangements at hospitals to identify gaps and address them promptly. Authorities have been instructed to ensure the safety of patients, attendants and hospital staff during potential fire emergencies.
Officials seek reports from government hospitals
Following the chief minister’s instructions, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir has sought detailed reports from government hospitals about their existing fire safety arrangements. The reports will provide information about the availability and condition of essential safety equipment at the hospitals.
Officials are also checking whether fire alarms, hydrants and emergency exits are properly installed and functioning. The assessment is aimed at identifying hospitals where fire safety measures need immediate improvement.
Hydrant installation work begins
Nadeem Nasir said fire safety systems would be installed in government hospitals at all costs. He also said work had begun on installing hydrants at hospitals as part of the safety improvement drive.
Hydrants can provide firefighters with access to water during emergencies and are an important part of fire protection systems. Authorities are now focusing on completing the required work and ensuring that safety equipment remains functional.
Rescue teams inspect hospital safety
On the instructions of the deputy commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Rehman visited several government hospitals along with Rescue teams. The teams inspected fire safety arrangements and reviewed the facilities available to deal with emergencies.
Officials checked fire alarms, hydrants and emergency exits during the visits. The inspections are intended to determine whether hospitals are adequately prepared to respond if a fire breaks out.
Fire alarms and emergency exits under review
Officials are paying particular attention to the condition and functionality of fire alarms at hospitals. Working alarms can alert patients, staff and visitors to a fire and give them time to respond quickly.
Also Read: PIMS hospital fire kills 14 infants, investigation launched
Emergency exits are also being inspected to ensure they remain accessible if patients and staff need to evacuate a building. Authorities have been directed to address any shortcomings identified during the inspections.
Patient and staff safety declared top priority
Nadeem Nasir said the safety of patients receiving treatment and hospital staff remains the administration’s top priority. He warned that negligence in maintaining fire safety arrangements would not be tolerated.
The directive places responsibility on the relevant departments to ensure that required safety measures are properly implemented. Officials have also been instructed to take immediate action wherever serious safety gaps are found.
Hospitals told to address safety shortcomings
Relevant officials have been directed to remove shortcomings in fire safety arrangements without delay. They have also been asked to complete all necessary safety measures at government hospitals.
The inspections could help authorities identify hospitals that need additional equipment, repairs, or other safety improvements. The focus is now on ensuring that fire protection systems are not only installed but also properly maintained and ready for use.
Why hospital fire safety matters
Fire safety is particularly important in hospitals because many patients may not be able to evacuate buildings without assistance. A fire emergency can become more dangerous when patients are connected to medical equipment or require continuous treatment.
Properly functioning alarms, accessible emergency exits and adequate firefighting equipment can help reduce risks during an emergency. Regular inspections are also important because safety equipment can become faulty or inaccessible if it is not properly maintained.
