Maryam orders fire safety checks at Rawalpindi hospitals

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered authorities to ensure complete fire safety arrangements at all government hospitals in Rawalpindi.

The chief minister has also sought a detailed report from Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir about the safety arrangements at government hospitals across the city.

The directive comes amid growing concerns over fire safety at healthcare facilities following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said authorities would ensure the installation of proper fire safety systems in all government hospitals.

He said work had already started on the installation of fire hydrants at hospitals. The facilities will also be checked to ensure that emergency arrangements are functional and accessible.

On the deputy commissioner’s instructions, the Additional Deputy Commissioner visited government hospitals along with Rescue teams.

The teams inspected the hospitals and reviewed their existing fire safety arrangements. They also examined the facilities required to respond to an emergency.

Officials are focusing on three key areas. These include fire alarms, fire hydrants and emergency exits.

The administration has been directed to ensure that fire alarms are operational and that hydrants are available at appropriate locations.

Emergency exits are also being checked to ensure that patients, attendants and hospital staff can leave buildings quickly during an emergency.

The deputy commissioner said the safety of patients was the administration’s top priority.

He warned that no negligence would be tolerated in implementing fire safety measures.

The inspection campaign is aimed at identifying weaknesses before they lead to a major incident. Authorities are also expected to take corrective measures wherever deficiencies are found.

Government hospitals handle large numbers of patients every day. Many patients are also critically ill and cannot be moved quickly during an emergency.

Officials therefore consider functional fire prevention and evacuation systems essential for protecting patients and medical staff.