ISLAMABAD: The deaths of 14 newborns in a PIMS nursery fire have exposed serious gaps in hospital safety and emergency preparedness, according to an initial government inquiry.
The report, submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif late Friday, identified shortcomings in treatment and facilities at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and determined those responsible for the Aug. 26 tragedy, according to sources familiar with the findings.
The fire broke out at about 6:45 a.m. in the neonatal intensive care unit on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward. Fifteen newborns were in the nursery at the time, but only one was rescued.
Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, who chaired the high-level inquiry committee formed on the prime minister’s orders, submitted the report to PM Adviser Tauqir Hussain Shah. Shah later forwarded it to Shehbaz and briefed him on its key findings and recommendations, the sources said.
The report recommended immediate action against those found responsible and disciplinary proceedings against PIMS staff members who were absent when the fire broke out.
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The committee also examined the emergency response, documenting difficulties encountered by rescue teams during the operation. Statements from fire brigade and rescue personnel, along with interviews with Pims administrators and doctors, were included in the inquiry.
The findings highlighted deficiencies in hospital treatment and available facilities, with the report stating that conditions at PIMS did not meet international standards, according to the sources.
The committee recommended steps to strengthen hospital safety, improve emergency preparedness and response systems, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The report was signed by all members of the inquiry committee, which was chaired by Shahid Khan and included retired Maj. Gen. Dr. Khurshid Utra, Dr. Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan and the Islamabad deputy commissioner.
The decision on whether to make the inquiry report public rests with the prime minister.
Meanwhile, Pims will remain fully operational Sunday, according to a circular issued by the hospital administration. The administration and accounts branches will follow their regular schedules, while relevant officers and staff have been instructed to report during designated working hours.
The circular, issued by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Aneza Jalil, warned that unauthorized absence, negligence or disobedience of official orders could lead to disciplinary action.
The inquiry comes as authorities face scrutiny over the hospital’s safety arrangements and emergency response procedures following one of the deadliest incidents involving newborns at the facility.
