Rawalpindi: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued top priority directives ordering immediate fire safety audits, infrastructure upgrades, and mandatory mock drills across all public sector hospitals and health facilities throughout the province.
The urgent measures follow a catastrophic fire incident in the gynaecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 14 infants. Under the newly issued instructions from the CM's Office, Deputy Commissioners across all districts of Punjab have been tasked with conducting an immediate stocktaking of firefighting equipment, fire extinguisher functionality, and emergency exit accessibility in direct coordination with Rescue 1122. Hospital authorities and local administration have been given a strict 24 hour deadline to complete the initial review and submit their findings.
The provincial health secretaries have also been issued a three day deadline, ending August 29, to conduct comprehensive technical inspections of electrical wiring, air conditioning units, and electro medical equipment to eliminate potential electrical and fire hazards. Secretary Implementation & Coordination (I&C), S&GAD, will compile and submit a consolidated provincial assessment report directly to the Chief Minister.
To strengthen emergency response capabilities, Rescue 1122 alongside local government, health, and housing departments will audit fire hydrant points near healthcare facilities. Relevant authorities have been mandated to rectify existing units and install new hydrants within seven days under the direct oversight of Divisional Commissioners.
Furthermore, the provincial government has directed both health secretaries and the Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP) to submit a feasibility report within one week. The report will outline plans for installing modern, technology driven fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, and automated water sprinklers across high risk zones, including (ICUs), neonatal nurseries, emergency wards, Tehsil and District Headquarters hospitals, and tertiary care institutions.
To ensure long term operational readiness, the Punjab government has made monthly emergency drills a mandatory requirement across all public health facilities, conducted jointly by district administration and Rescue 1122 teams.
