ISLAMABAD: A fire safety audit report of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has revealed several deficiencies at the hospital, with authorities previously directing the administration to take immediate corrective measures.
According to details, the Fire Safety Wing had sent a report to the PIMS hospital administration on February 15, 2018, highlighting various shortcomings related to fire safety.
The report reportedly identified deficiencies that could pose risks to patients, attendants and hospital staff in the event of a fire or other emergency.
The hospital administration was directed to take immediate corrective measures to address the shortcomings identified during the inspection.
However, concerns regarding fire safety at PIMS apparently persisted in subsequent years.
On June 8, 2023, a “Hazard Alert” was issued for PIMS, drawing attention to additional safety concerns at the hospital.
Among the deficiencies identified in the alert were blocked emergency exits and exposed electrical wiring, both of which can create serious risks during an emergency.
Blocked emergency routes can make it difficult for patients, visitors and medical staff to evacuate the premises quickly in the event of a fire. The presence of exposed wiring can also increase the risk of electrical faults and potentially trigger a fire.
The findings have raised questions about whether the deficiencies highlighted in the earlier fire safety audit were adequately addressed and whether subsequent inspections resulted in effective corrective action.
The disclosure of the audit findings comes amid increased scrutiny of safety arrangements at PIMS. The identification of longstanding fire safety shortcomings has also intensified questions about the implementation of safety recommendations and the responsibility of the relevant authorities.
The 2018 report and the 2023 hazard alert indicate that fire safety concerns had been brought to the attention of the hospital administration on more than one occasion.
Authorities are now expected to examine whether the recommendations issued after the inspections were implemented and whether the hospital’s safety arrangements were subsequently improved.
The matter also underscores the importance of maintaining clear emergency exits, safe electrical installations and adequate fire protection systems in major public hospitals, where large numbers of patients, including those who may have limited mobility, are present at any given time.
Further details regarding the latest condition of PIMS’s fire safety arrangements and the implementation of the recommendations contained in the audit reports are awaited.
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