PakistanHealth

Fire safety lapses found at two Islamabad hospitals after PIMS tragedy

The CDA found serious fire safety lapses at two Islamabad hospitals, including inadequate evacuation routes, faulty equipment, poor electrical wiring and missing fire detection systems. Both hospitals have been ordered to urgently fix the deficiencies following the PIMS fire that killed 14 newborns.

Abdul Basit Khan

Editorial Researcher28 August 20266 min read

Fire safety lapses found at two Islamabad hospitals after PIMS tragedyPhoto: QOM

Islamabad: Serious fire safety deficiencies have been identified at Capital Hospital and the Federal Government Polyclinic following the deadly fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that claimed the lives of 14 newborns. Inspections conducted by the CDA on Thursday, which found major shortcomings in fire prevention, emergency response and evacuation arrangements at both facilities.

At PIMS , the inspection covered blocks one to six, as well as the plant room, pharmacy, cafeteria, garage, generator and electrical panels. The CDA report said the hospital had "significant deficiencies in fire protection, life safety and emergency preparedness systems" Several blocks lacked smoke control systems, while fire rated doors were missing along emergency exit routes. Emergency staircases and evacuation routes were also deemed inadequate.

The hospital lacked a dedicated fire control room, while fire extinguishers were either expired, improperly installed or insufficient in number. Adequate emergency lighting and round the clock trained firefighting staff were also unavailable. The report further highlighted the absence of an underground firefighting water reservoir and pumps, along with inadequate fire compartmentalisation in critical areas such as intensive care units and operating theatres.

At the Federal Government Polyclinic in Sector G-6, the CDA identified 34 fire and life safety deficiencies. Several emergency exits were either unavailable, closed or obstructed. The hospital also lacked adequate fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems, as well as sufficient firefighting water hoses and pumps.

The report described the electrical wiring as being in "extremely poor" condition and identified a gas leak near the main kitchen. The CDA also found inadequate arrangements for evacuating critically ill patients from intensive care, cardiac care and neonatal intensive care units during a fire. The authority directed both hospitals to urgently address the deficiencies, improve evacuation systems, install fire detection and suppression equipment, provide emergency lighting and train staff in firefighting. Both hospitals will be reinspected after corrective measures are implemented to assess compliance with fire safety requirements.