Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ordered an urgent review of fire-safety arrangements at public-sector healthcare facilities across the province following the deaths of 14 newborns in a fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) separately directed public and private hospitals to strengthen their emergency preparedness and ensure compliance with existing fire and building safety requirements.
The directives follow Wednesday’s fire at the Mother and Child Hospital at PIMS, where 15 newborns were present in the affected ward. Fourteen suffered severe burns and later died, while one infant was rescued.
The PHC called on provincial health departments, the Punjab Emergency Services Department and hospital administrations to take immediate measures to prepare for fire and other emergencies.
Hospitals were instructed to ensure they have trained personnel, functioning emergency equipment and adequate resources, while conducting regular drills to test their ability to respond effectively.
The commission also directed healthcare facilities to introduce an emergency coding system, including “Code Red” for fires, and develop standard operating procedures for emergencies.
Hospitals must prominently display emergency exit maps, maintain functional firefighting equipment and obtain the required building safety and fitness certificates.
The PHC reiterated that all public and private hospitals must comply with prescribed Minimum Service Delivery Standards, including requirements covering facility management and infection control.
The Punjab Emergency Services Department was asked to inspect hospitals under provincial community safety legislation. District Emergency Officers are authorised to examine buildings, verify fire-safety arrangements and issue safety certificates valid for one year to facilities meeting the required standards.
The commission also ordered fire-safety audits of all public and private hospitals to be completed without delay.
Hospitals found violating relevant laws or safety regulations will receive inspection reports identifying necessary improvements, while details of non-compliant institutions will be forwarded to the PHC for further action.