Islamabad: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has expressed deep concern over the recent deaths of 14 infants in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursery. The Committee has rejected the preliminary inquiry report ordered by the Prime Minister, citing numerous shortcomings, and is demanding criminal proceedings against those responsible for the incident.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Committee, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, questioned the readiness and effectiveness of the fire-safety systems, electrical installations, and emergency preparedness at PIMS. The Committee is seeking comprehensive inquiry findings, including the cause of death for each infant, the number of staff present during the incident, and details of fire-safety audits and training exercises. Concerns were raised about the functionality of air-conditioning equipment, which may have contributed to the fire, and why portable air-conditioners were used in such a critical area.
The Committee also scrutinized the role of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) in enforcing safety standards and conducting inspections at healthcare facilities. It questioned whether IHRA had adequately fulfilled its statutory duties and called for the presence of IHRA officials at its next meeting to provide a detailed account of inspections and enforcement actions.
In addition, the Committee criticized the Ministry of National Health Services for not conducting a parallel investigation after the Prime Minister’s inquiry, arguing for independent verification of the report’s findings. Concerns were also raised about the composition of the inquiry committee and the lack of accountability for officials identified in the report.
The Committee expressed discontent with the administrative practices at PIMS, particularly the assignment of multiple additional charges to single officers, which might compromise their ability to manage responsibilities effectively. It also questioned the suitability of the newly appointed Executive Director’s qualifications for managing a major tertiary-care hospital.
The Committee emphasized the need for urgent reforms in governance, staffing, and emergency preparedness at PIMS and other public hospitals, warning that the incident should prompt a reassessment of fire-safety measures across Islamabad’s healthcare facilities. The Committee stressed its commitment to ensuring accountability and implementing corrective measures to prevent future tragedies.