Islamabad hospitals face staffing crisis, PIMS fire raises fresh safety concerns

Data submitted by the Ministry of Health revealed that Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is operating with a significant shortfall of

ISLAMABAD: Serious staffing shortages and hospital safety deficiencies have come under scrutiny as the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services examines the condition of major healthcare facilities in the federal capital.

Data submitted by the Ministry of Health revealed that Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is operating with a significant shortfall of medical staff. Of the 852 sanctioned positions for doctors, only 467 are currently occupied. The hospital also has 363 vacant nursing positions and a shortage of 215 paramedical personnel, raising concerns about the capacity of the institution to provide safe and efficient patient care.

The situation at Polyclinic Hospital has also drawn attention, with several positions for doctors and nursing staff reportedly remaining vacant. Senators have expressed concern that persistent manpower shortages could place additional pressure on existing staff and affect healthcare delivery.

Parliamentary scrutiny has intensified following the recent fire in the PIMS nursery, in which 14 newborn babies reportedly lost their lives. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently ordered the removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori, while the government formed a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Senate committee is now examining emergency preparedness, fire safety, infrastructure maintenance and overall regulatory compliance across federal hospitals. The review is aimed at identifying weaknesses that could threaten patients, healthcare workers and hospital visitors.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Islamabad Capital Administration are working on a plan to transfer administrative control of PIMS, Federal General Hospital, the National Rehabilitation Center and Polyclinic to the Islamabad district administration. Officials believe greater local oversight could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery.

The committee has also moved forward with broader public-health measures, including the Electronic Nicotine Regulation Bill and proposals for increased taxation on trans-fat products. Senators said that while immediate attention is required to address hospital staffing and safety deficiencies, long-term preventive healthcare and nutrition policies must also remain a priority.

The developments have placed Islamabad’s public healthcare system under renewed parliamentary scrutiny, with hospital staffing, safety standards and administrative accountability emerging as key areas requiring urgent attention.