Islamabad health centers given 7 days to complete fire safety measures

Authorities have decided to conduct a fresh review of life safety arrangements at healthcare centers across Islamabad following a fire incident in the nursery of PIMS Hospital.

Islamabad: Authorities have decided to conduct a fresh review of life safety arrangements at healthcare centers across Islamabad following a fire incident in the nursery of PIMS Hospital.

The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has issued a letter to healthcare facilities directing them to reassess their fire and life protection arrangements and ensure that safety measures meet modern standards for protecting patients and staff.

According to the letter healthcare centers have been instructed to obtain a fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the CDA Fire Department. They have also been directed to have fire protection systems installed through registered contractors.

The IHRA has instructed healthcare facilities to install and maintain fire detection, alarm and suppression systems. Facilities must also ensure the availability and functionality of fire hydrants and firefighting equipment.

Healthcare centers have further been directed to ensure that emergency exit doors are available, accessible and fully functional so that patients and staff can evacuate safely in the event of an emergency.

The regulatory authority has also emphasized staff training and emergency preparedness. Healthcare facilities must conduct life safety training and drills for their employees and arrange testing of fire protection systems.

The IHRA has given healthcare centers seven days to complete the required life safety arrangements and submit implementation reports detailing the measures taken to comply with the directives.

The authority said it would inspect life safety arrangements at healthcare facilities across Islamabad to assess compliance with the new instructions.

The IHRA has warned that healthcare centers failing to comply with the directives could face strict action.

The decision comes in the wake of the fire incident at the PIMS Hospital nursery and highlights the need for stronger fire prevention, emergency response and evacuation measures at healthcare facilities.