SUKKUR: Following the incident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, Civil Defence Sukkur, the district administration and Rescue 1122 officials conducted special visits to several hospitals in Sukkur to review fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness.
The visits were carried out on the special directives of Sindh Civil Defence Director Riyaz Hussain Laghari, Sukkur Division Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi and Deputy Commissioner and Controller Civil Defence Sukkur Nadir Shehzad Khan.
A team comprising ADC-I Tanveer Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Dr Khansa Malik, Deputy Chief Warden Civil Defence Sukkur Dr Saeed Awan, In-charge Officer Mian Jahangir Abbasi and Rescue 1122 Emergency Officer Wahid Bakhsh visited Civil Hospital Sukkur, Blood Hospital and Hira Hospital.
During the inspections, officials reviewed fire safety arrangements at the hospitals, including emergency exits, firefighting equipment, fire extinguishers, evacuation routes and other safety measures required during emergencies.
The hospital administrations were also issued necessary instructions to ensure full and effective implementation of fire safety standard operating procedures (SOPs). Officials emphasized that all safety arrangements should remain functional and accessible at all times.
ADC-I Tanveer Ahmed said hospitals are highly sensitive facilities where the safety of patients, attendants and medical staff must remain the top priority.
He made it clear that negligence in implementing fire safety SOPs would not be tolerated. Hospital administrations were directed to ensure that firefighting equipment remained in working condition and that staff members received regular training in fire safety, emergency evacuation procedures and basic protective measures.
Tanveer Ahmed further stressed that advance safety measures, trained personnel and an effective emergency response plan are essential to minimizing loss of life during any emergency.
Deputy Chief Warden Civil Defence Sukkur Dr Saeed Awan said Civil Defence would continue conducting training programmes and awareness activities at hospitals and other sensitive institutions. The programmes would focus on fire safety, rescue operations, first aid and emergency response so that human lives could be protected effectively in the event of an emergency.
Officials said regular training and awareness among hospital staff were particularly important because many patients may have limited mobility and require assistance during an emergency evacuation.
The inspection team also included Post Warden Mahmood Ahmed, Fire Safety In-charge Officer Lala Rehan Pathan, Shahab Hussain and other Civil Defence and Rescue personnel.
The officials expressed their commitment to improving fire safety standards at hospitals across Sukkur and strengthening their capacity to respond to emergency situations. They said coordination between the relevant departments would continue to ensure that hospitals remain adequately prepared to deal with fires and other emergencies.
The inspection campaign follows growing attention to emergency preparedness at healthcare facilities and highlights the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations. Authorities stressed that effective prevention, functional firefighting systems, clearly marked evacuation routes and properly trained staff can play a critical role in protecting lives during emergencies.
The relevant departments are expected to maintain coordination and continue monitoring safety arrangements at hospitals and other sensitive facilities to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements.
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