Punjab orders teaching hospitals to create emergency plans in 24 hours

In response to growing concerns over fire safety, the Punjab Health Department on Saturday directed all teaching hospitals across the province to develop and submit comprehensive evacuation and emergency response plans within 24 hours.

The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, which focused on preventive measures against fire incidents in government hospitals. The minister stated that fire and electrical safety are being prioritized and negligence will not be tolerated.

During the meeting, it was decided that Rescue 1122 teams would coordinate with all hospitals to ensure a thorough emergency plan, hazard identification, and the availability of necessary safety equipment. Additionally, all hospitals and institutions have been instructed to immediately nominate dedicated Emergency and Fire Safety Officers.

A detailed fire safety audit of the Capital Development Authority's (CDA) Capital Hospital in Islamabad has uncovered severe and widespread safety deficiencies. The audit report, compiled in the wake of the deadly PIMS fire, revealed that the hospital has no effective fire alarm system and lacks a dedicated fire control room.

According to the findings, numerous fire extinguishers installed in the hospital have expired, and the overall number is insufficient for the facility's needs. The audit also found that the old firefighting system is completely non-functional. Furthermore, many hospital blocks lack proper smoke ventilation, emergency exits are not fitted with safety fire doors, and sensitive areas like the ICU and operation theatres have unsatisfactory fire prevention measures. The report has directed the hospital administration to rectify all shortcomings on a priority basis.

Following the deadly fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital, health authorities in Quetta have also initiated heightened fire safety measures. Reports from August 29 indicate that inspections and infrastructure overhauls are underway at major medical facilities in the city, including Civil Hospital and Sandeman Provincial Hospital.

A fire safety audit at the Capital Hospital in Islamabad has revealed serious lapses, according to reports on August 29. This development is the latest in a series of ongoing inspections of healthcare facilities across the country.

Following a deadly fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital, Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal has ordered an immediate fire safety audit of all federal government hospitals.

Pakistan's federal Health Ministry has ordered a fire safety audit of all government hospitals across the country. This nationwide directive follows a series of provincial-level actions aimed at preventing future tragedies after a deadly fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has begun deploying Fire Safety Officers in major government hospitals, implementing a previous directive to enhance fire safety protocols.

The Punjab Healthcare Commission has ordered all hospitals in the province to implement immediate fire safety measures. The directive follows growing concerns over emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities after a recent deadly fire at the PIMS hospital in Islamabad.

In a recent development, the Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital in Gujrat has announced the completion of its fire safety measures. The hospital, also known as the DHQ Hospital Gujrat, has now fully implemented the required safety protocols in response to the province-wide directives.

The Punjab government has announced it will appoint dedicated Fire Safety Officers at all government hospitals across the province. The move is part of a broader push to enhance safety measures in healthcare facilities following the recent deadly fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad.

In Lahore, the city administration has ordered an immediate and comprehensive survey of fire hydrants in all government and private hospitals. The directive was issued by Lahore Division Commissioner Nauman Yousaf during a visit to Mayo Hospital and the Children’s Hospital on Thursday.

Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Captain Ali Ejaz (R) and officials from Rescue 1122, WASA, and Civil Defence, the Commissioner instructed Rescue 1122 to complete the survey and submit a full report the same day. He emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to safety gaps and directed all relevant departments to coordinate on the installation of safety equipment, conduct electrical audits with LESCO, verify the functionality of fire extinguishers, and ensure clear access routes for fire brigade vehicles.

Further reports indicate that hospitals in several other major cities and provinces are also facing scrutiny over fire safety. Alarming safety gaps and failures have reportedly been identified in healthcare facilities in Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Sindh government has expanded its directive on fire safety, ordering private schools across the province to also conduct safety audits and drills. This is in addition to the earlier order for all public and private hospitals.

The Sindh Health Care Commission on Thursday ordered an emergency fire safety audit of all public and private hospitals across the province. According to a notification, hospital administrations must conduct immediate audits and practical drills, and submit detailed reports on the findings, identified shortcomings, and corrective actions taken. The commission also directed a re-evaluation of approvals from Civil Defence and fire brigades and mandated that emergency exits remain clear of obstructions at all times.

Separately, the administration of Nishtar Hospital in Multan acknowledged that its fire-fighting facilities are incomplete. Dr. Rao Amjad, the hospital's medical superintendent, stated that while 300 fire extinguishers are functional, there are no smoke detectors in the wards. He added that work to install smoke detectors is underway and more equipment is being procured.

Following the deadly fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital, a review of fire safety arrangements is now set to be conducted at hospitals across Pakistan. This expands on earlier directives from the governments of Punjab and Sindh, which had already ordered safety audits and enhanced measures in their respective provinces.

In Rawalpindi, the Deputy Commissioner has also sought an urgent report on the fire safety arrangements in the district's government hospitals.