ISLAMABAD: A devastating fire in the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) resulted in the deaths of fourteen newborns, officials confirmed on Wednesday. At the time of the incident, the Mother and Child Health Care Centre (MCH) nursery was caring for sixteen infants, with only one surviving the blaze.
This tragedy has intensified scrutiny on the infrastructure and resources of Pims, one of Islamabad’s primary public hospitals. Pims plays a crucial role in providing subsidized healthcare to the capital’s population, where demand for public medical services remains substantial.
In the financial year 2026-27, budget documents reveal that Rs1.069 billion has been allocated to the MCH Centre, marking a significant increase from the Rs855.6 million designated in the previous year. This funding boost reflects efforts to enhance the centre’s capacity and services.
Within this allocation, Rs356.9 million is dedicated to employees’ salaries, complemented by Rs332.7 million for various allowances. The salary budget is divided into Rs200 million for officers and Rs156.5 million for other staff members.
Operational costs for the MCH Centre have been set at Rs270 million for the current fiscal year. Additionally, Rs11 million is earmarked for repair and maintenance, while Rs7 million will be spent on machinery and equipment. The building and structural upkeep has been allocated Rs4 million.
Further budget provisions include Rs8.5 million for scholarships, Rs6 million for stores, stock, plant, and machinery, and another Rs6 million reserved for pensions of retired employees. These allocations aim to support both the immediate and long-term needs of the centre.
