Heads have begun to roll at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after an interim inquiry into the neonatal ward fire that killed infants found serious lapses in safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and supervision, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order the immediate suspension of eight officials and criminal as well as departmental proceedings against those held responsible.
The prime minister, while chairing a meeting, specifically directed that those identified as responsible by the committee should face not only departmental proceedings but also criminal proceedings under the relevant laws. The eight individuals include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr. Mutahir Shah and Dr. Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Professor Dr. Saadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr. Naghma, Dr. Nosheela Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Emergency Services Director General Dr. Abdul Rehman. The prime minister directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against those responsible without discrimination.
He also approved action against the security company deployed at the facility and its officials. The prime minister approved the Sitara-e-Khidmat and a Rs 10 million award for nurse Razia Noreen, who saved a child during the fire. He paid tribute to Razia Noreen for demonstrating exceptional dedication and responsibility by rushing through the fire to save a child moments before the destruction caused by the fire. He said that Razia Noreen demonstrated an outstanding example of responsibility and bravery, and the entire nation, including himself, is proud of the nurse for risking her own life to save the child.
The premier directed that a nurse and a female security guard who were present in the ward be made officers on special duty (OSD) and that further investigations be conducted. He further directed that National Institutes of Health (NIH) CEO Dr. Muhammad Salman be appointed acting executive director of PIMS. The interim report of the inquiry committee was presented to the meeting. CCTV footage of the incident, which lasted approximately two minutes, was also shown. The initial investigation revealed that PIMS had no detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) or training regarding fire incidents or emergency situations. There was no fire alarm or sprinkler system installed in the neonatal ward, which was found to be in violation of all relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.