The federal government has announced Rs5 million in compensation for each of the families of the 14 infants who died in the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), as grieving parents called for an independent judicial investigation into the tragedy.
Fourteen newborns lost their lives after a fire broke out in the hospital’s gynaecology and maternity facility on Wednesday morning.
A federal government spokesperson said the government shared the grief of the bereaved families and acknowledged that financial assistance could not compensate for the loss of their children.
The spokesperson said the payments were intended to provide some financial support to families dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy, adding that the government would extend all possible assistance to those affected.
Meanwhile, several parents whose children died in the fire have rejected the government-appointed inquiry committee and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to establish responsibility for the incident.
Speaking to the media, the families questioned why officials and bureaucrats had once again been appointed to investigate a tragedy involving public institutions. They argued that an inquiry conducted under an independent judicial commission would carry greater credibility.
The parents also alleged that DNA tests were not conducted on the infants who died, and called for greater transparency over the identification of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Some family members criticised the response of government officials and said those unable to fulfil their responsibilities should step down.
The fire has prompted wider scrutiny of fire-safety standards and emergency preparedness at public hospitals, while investigations continue into the cause of the blaze and the circumstances that led to the deaths of the 14 newborns.