The federal health ministry has written to the interior ministry seeking registration of criminal cases against eight suspended Pims officials identified for action in the interim inquiry into the neonatal nursery fire that killed 14 newborns, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Health was informed on Monday.

An additional secretary of the health ministry told the health committee that the reference had been sent in line with recommendations of the inquiry committee appointed by the prime minister. He said the ministry was implementing the recommendations, including departmental proceedings and criminal action where applicable. The inquiry committee has yet to issue its final report, while forensic examination to establish the exact source of ignition remains under way.

The interim report identified eight officials for suspension and further action after the August 26 blaze at the neonatal nursery of the Maternal and Child Health Centre. It did not conclusively establish whether the fire began in an incubator, warmer, air-conditioner, plug, socket, wiring or another component. It said an internal electrical or equipment-related failure remained plausible and identified prima facie shortcomings in fire safety, emergency exits, evacuation arrangements, staffing, emergency notification, security coordination and implementation of responsibilities.

The committee, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, expressed reservations about the interim report and CCTV footage. Malani said the footage was incomplete and did not provide a clear account of how the fire began. He referred to differing accounts, including an initial assertion that a spark originated from an air-conditioner and a later statement by the former Pims executive director that the air-conditioner was not functional.