In Islamabad, newly appointed Federal Health Secretary Mahmood Rai has established a complaint camp outside the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to directly oversee the hospital’s administration and facilities after a tragic fire in its nursery resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns.
The camp was set up late Wednesday night outside the hospital, serving as a base for Rai to receive grievances from patients and visitors. He is expected to visit the camp daily to review hospital operations and evaluate the services provided to patients and their families.
This initiative comes amid growing scrutiny of PIMS, with concerns raised over fire safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and the hospital staff’s response during the incident. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal also took responsibility for the tragedy, stating that the deaths should never have occurred and promising accountability for those found responsible.
“I am presenting myself for accountability,” Kamal said during a visit to PIMS, adding that he had also offered his accountability to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He revealed that CCTV footage suggests the fire originated from a spark near an air conditioner before rapidly spreading.
At the time of the fire, 15 newborns were in the affected ward, 14 of whom were on oxygen, which contributed to the swift spread of the flames. Kamal mentioned that two doctors and two nurses rushed to assist after the fire broke out, while 26 oxygen cylinders were used in firefighting efforts. He acknowledged existing problems at the hospital but did not provide further details, noting that an inquiry report was expected within two to three days.
The minister also explained that access to the nursery had been restricted due to previous incidents of newborn theft, which is why security guards were stationed at the entrance. Children in an adjacent ward have since been relocated to another hospital block, and the main entrance to the ward remains guarded at all times.
Kamal accepted his responsibility for the tragedy and said he would submit a detailed account to the prime minister after those responsible are identified.
In a related development, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that the initial inquiry report had been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He stated the fire broke out between 6 and 7 a.m., prompting an immediate rescue operation.
All 14 deceased newborns were identified via medical procedures before their bodies were handed over to their families. The rescue teams saved 19 individuals from the affected area, including seven newborns, two men, and 10 women. Rescue teams arrived at PIMS within six minutes of the emergency call, and no administrative lapses were reported during the operation. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi closely monitored the rescue efforts.
The prime minister has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident thoroughly. The committee will examine CCTV footage, hospital fire safety measures, emergency exit accessibility, and the presence of medical staff during the fire. Three glass windows of the nursery were broken during the rescue to evacuate trapped individuals.
Chaudhry urged the public to refrain from making premature accusations until the inquiry is complete, emphasizing the need to determine whether any exits were blocked or gates closed during the fire. Responsibility and subsequent actions will be determined after the investigation.
Following the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori and removed him from his position. Retired Captain Muhammad Mahmood Rai, previously Housing Secretary, has been assigned additional duties as the new health secretary.
Meanwhile, the PIMS administration has established a separate five-member committee led by Professor Umar Farooq to conduct its own investigation. This committee is tasked with reviewing evidence and submitting its findings within 48 hours. Both government and hospital inquiries will focus on the fire’s circumstances, emergency response effectiveness, and potential safety lapses contributing to the deaths.
