PM announces Rs10 million reward and Sitara-i-Khidmat for PIMS nurse Razia Noreen
Nurse risks her life to save newborn
Nurse Razia Noreen has been honoured for showing exceptional courage during the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
The fire broke out in the neonatal nursery on August 26, when 15 newborn babies were reportedly inside the ward.
Fourteen babies died in the incident, while one newborn survived after Noreen managed to rescue the child.
The PIMS fire nurse reportedly put her own life at risk while trying to save the baby as the fire spread through the nursery.
Her quick action allowed the newborn to escape the tragedy and become the only surviving baby from the ward.
Major reward approved
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved an Rs10 million reward for PIMS nurse Razia Noreen in recognition of her courage and dedication.
The prime minister has also approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat, a civil award given for outstanding service.
Shehbaz Sharif praised Noreen for showing exceptional bravery and responsibility during the emergency.
The Razia Noreen award decision highlights the importance of her actions during one of the most difficult moments of the PIMS fire tragedy.
Read Also: PIMS nursery fire: Interim inquiry report presented to PM Shahbaz
Officials face action
The reward announcement comes as the government takes action over safety failures identified in the inquiry into the fire.
The investigation found serious shortcomings in fire safety arrangements, evacuation procedures and the emergency response at the hospital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the suspension of eight officials and directed authorities to start criminal proceedings against those found responsible.
Action has also been ordered against the private security company working at the hospital.
The inquiry has not yet established the exact technical cause of the fire. Further forensic examination is still underway.
Families to receive compensation
The government has also announced Rs5 million in compensation for each family that lost a newborn in the incident.
Officials have said the financial assistance cannot replace the lives that were lost, but it is intended to provide some support to the grieving families.
Meanwhile, the PIMS fire nurse has received national recognition for saving the only surviving baby.
The government believes the Sitara-i-Khidmat and Rs10 million reward for PIMS nurse reflect the courage shown by Noreen during the emergency.
Read Also: Pims fire tragedy: PM orders suspension and criminal action against eight officials
What happens next?
Authorities will continue investigating the cause of the fire and examining the safety arrangements at the hospital.
The Razia Noreen recognition has also brought attention to the need for stronger emergency procedures in hospitals.
The government has said those responsible for negligence will face action once the investigation establishes responsibility.
