A fire-safety audit conducted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has identified 34 fire and life safety deficiencies at Islamabad’s government-run Poly Clinic hospital, including unsafe electrical wiring, inadequate emergency exits and the absence of essential firefighting systems.
According to the audit report, gas leakage was detected near the hospital’s central kitchen, prompting recommendations for immediate corrective action. Several important sections of the hospital were found to lack proper emergency exits, while a number of existing evacuation routes were blocked or obstructed.
The audit found that Poly Clinic has neither an automatic fire detection system nor a manual fire alarm system. Essential firefighting infrastructure, including sprinklers, hose reels, wet risers and yard hydrants, was also absent.
The hospital was found to have no dedicated underground or rooftop water storage for firefighting, while its electrical wiring was described as extremely poor.
The CDA also raised concerns about arrangements for evacuating vulnerable patients from critical areas, including the CCU, ICU and NICU, in the event of an emergency.
According to the report, the hospital lacks a comprehensive emergency and evacuation plan, adequate emergency lighting, exit signs and a designated assembly area.
Investigators also found no trained initial firefighting team or adequate fire-safety training for hospital personnel. Other shortcomings included poor cleanliness, inadequate slip protection on stairways and the absence of fire blankets, safety equipment and anti-shatter protection for glass.
The audit further identified inadequate fire compartmentation, which is designed to restrict the spread of fire and smoke between different sections of a building.
The CDA directed Poly Clinic to immediately clear and restore all emergency exits and take urgent action to address the gas leak and unsafe electrical wiring.
It also recommended the priority installation of appropriate fire detection, alarm and firefighting systems, describing rectification of the identified deficiencies as an urgent requirement.
The CDA is expected to conduct another inspection after the hospital completes the required safety improvements.