KARACHI — Serious concerns have emerged over fire safety arrangements at some of Karachi’s major government hospitals following the deadly fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, where 14 newborn babies lost their lives.
The incident at PIMS has prompted authorities and the public to look more closely at fire prevention and emergency preparedness in major hospitals across the country. Information from hospital sources now suggests that several large government hospitals in Karachi also face significant gaps in their fire safety systems.
According to hospital sources, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has only 13 fire extinguishers. The hospital also reportedly lacks a fire alarm system, while staff members have not been provided with regular fire drills or formal fire safety training.
Another major concern at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital is the absence of a dedicated emergency evacuation route. Without clearly identified and accessible emergency exits, evacuating patients, attendants and hospital employees during a fire could become extremely difficult.
The situation is particularly concerning because Abbasi Shaheed Hospital handles a large number of patients every day. Hundreds of patients reportedly visit its emergency department daily, while more than 1,000 patients attend the outpatient department.
A hospital that receives such a large number of patients needs effective emergency systems because overcrowding can make evacuation more difficult during a fire or other emergency. Patients who are seriously ill or physically weak may also require assistance from medical staff to leave the building.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has two generators, according to the information provided, with one designated for backup purposes. Reliable electricity is important for hospital operations, especially during emergencies, because critical medical equipment, lighting and other essential systems may depend on continuous power.
The medical superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital told Geo News that the hospital administration was taking further steps regarding the fire safety system. However, the reported lack of a functioning alarm system, dedicated emergency exit and regular staff training remains a serious concern.
A fire alarm system is an important part of hospital safety because it can provide an early warning to patients, visitors and staff. Early detection allows hospital workers to begin evacuation procedures and contact emergency services before a fire spreads.
Similar concerns have been reported at Jinnah Hospital in Karachi. According to hospital sources, fire extinguishers are available in every ward, but several of them are reportedly not functional.
The presence of fire extinguishers alone does not guarantee safety. Equipment needs to be regularly inspected, tested and maintained so that it can operate effectively when required.
Sources said the last fire drill at Jinnah Hospital was conducted in 2017. If accurate, this means that staff have not participated in a formal fire drill for several years.
Jinnah Hospital also reportedly does not have a fire alarm system. The absence of both regular fire drills and an effective alarm system could create difficulties in detecting and responding to a fire quickly.
The Joint Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital said a dedicated firefighting team needs to be formed. He also stated that there is a fire extinguisher in each ward and that the hospital administration would write to the Sindh government to request additional training for staff.
The need for trained staff is particularly important in large hospitals. Doctors, nurses, security personnel and other employees may be required to respond immediately during a fire and help patients reach safe areas.
Regular drills can help staff understand evacuation routes, identify emergency responsibilities and learn how to use firefighting equipment. Without practical training, employees may find it difficult to respond effectively during an actual emergency.
The situation at Civil Hospital Karachi is somewhat different. According to the information available, the hospital has around 180 fire extinguishers distributed across its wards. However, sources say that fire safety arrangements at the hospital are still not ideal.
The availability of a larger number of fire extinguishers is a positive step, but effective fire safety requires more than firefighting equipment. Hospitals also need functioning alarms, accessible emergency exits, clear evacuation plans, emergency lighting and properly trained personnel.
The revelations from Karachi come at a sensitive time because the PIMS fire in Islamabad has raised nationwide concerns about hospital safety. The deaths of 14 newborn babies have highlighted the risks faced by patients who are unable to evacuate without assistance.
Hospitals are especially vulnerable during fires because they contain patients who may be unconscious, critically ill, elderly or very young. Moving such patients to safety requires careful planning and sufficient trained staff.
The situation also highlights the importance of regular safety inspections. Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly, alarm systems should be tested and emergency exits should remain accessible at all times.
Hospital administrations should also conduct fire drills at regular intervals. Such exercises can help identify weaknesses in evacuation plans and ensure that staff members understand their roles.
The reported conditions at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Jinnah Hospital raise questions about whether existing fire safety standards are being properly implemented in Karachi’s major public healthcare facilities.
Authorities may now need to carry out comprehensive inspections of all major government hospitals in the city. These inspections should examine firefighting equipment, fire alarms, emergency exits, electrical systems, evacuation plans and staff training.
The goal should not only be to identify deficiencies but also to ensure that problems are corrected and monitored over time.
The PIMS tragedy has demonstrated the potentially devastating consequences of inadequate fire preparedness. Karachi’s hospitals serve thousands of patients every day, making fire safety a critical public safety issue.
Ensuring that alarms function properly, emergency exits remain accessible, firefighting equipment is maintained and staff receive regular training could significantly improve the ability of hospitals to respond to emergencies.
The latest revelations should therefore encourage hospital authorities and the Sindh government to take immediate steps to strengthen fire safety systems. For patients and their families, a hospital should be a place of care and protection, and effective emergency preparedness is essential to maintaining that trust.
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