The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated action against government and private hospitals and medical centres in the federal capital over inadequate fire and life safety arrangements following the PIMS tragedy. According to sources, inspections revealed serious deficiencies in fire and life safety measures at 48 hospitals and medical centres across Islamabad.
CDA imposed a combined fine of Rs14.5 million on the institutions for violating prescribed fire safety standards. The authority has also directed the hospitals and medical centres to improve their fire and life safety arrangements and ensure strict compliance with the required safety standards.
Challans were issued to various hospitals and medical centres on August 30 and 31, with fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000, depending on the nature of the violations. Sources said PIMS, Polyclinic and Capital Hospital were each fined Rs550,000, while another well-known hospital in Islamabad was fined Rs500,000.
The CDA had previously issued multiple notices to the hospitals, directing them to improve their fire and life safety arrangements. Six notices were issued to PIMS, seven to Polyclinic, six to Capital Hospital and nine to the other major hospital, sources said.
The inspections identified serious shortcomings in several facilities, including fire detection systems, alarms, emergency exits and firefighting equipment. The CDA has directed all hospitals and medical centres to strictly comply with prescribed fire and life safety standards. Sources said the authority has decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards fire safety violations and warned that further action would be taken against institutions that fail to improve their arrangements.