An interim inquiry report into the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has revealed that the blaze engulfed the hospital’s nursery within two minutes, according to CCTV footage.
The report said the precise source of ignition has not yet been “conclusively established”.
“Medical, nursing and security personnel made immediate attempts, and the objective CCTV evidence did not support a generalised finding that frontline clinical staff abandoned the babies”, the report said.
The initial findings also revealed that PIMS had no detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or adequate training for dealing with fires and other emergency situations. The report further stated that the building lacked smoke detectors and a fire alarm system.
“Record does not demonstrate that frontline staff had been provided with and trained in a dedicated neonatal fire-evacuation SOP.”
The report also highlights a lack of supervisory staff at the time of the incident. According to the briefing, two nurses, a female security guard and a house officer were present in the ward at the time.
Staff Nurse Razia, who evacuated one of the newborns, re-entered the nursery in an attempt to rescue the other babies but was unable to do so due to the flames, the report said.
PM Shehbaz takes action
It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate suspension of eight officials named in an inquiry into the fire tragedy at PIMS.
The PM has directed the National Institutes of Health Pakistan CEO Dr Muhammad Salman, to take charge as acting Executive Director of PIMS, while replacements for the removed officials are to be appointed immediately.
The prime minister also approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat award for the nurse who risked her life to save a baby during the fire.