PM orders criminal cases against PIMS responsible officers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the registration of criminal cases against officers responsible for the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in which 14 newborn babies lost their lives. The decision goes beyond departmental action against those found responsible.

During a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister, the interim report of the inquiry committee constituted to investigate the PIMS tragedy was presented. The report identified serious negligence, carelessness and administrative incompetence. Based on the findings, the prime minister approved immediate and strict action.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar also confirmed the development saying that, on the prime minister’s instructions, the interim investigation report into the PIMS incident is being made public.

According to Atta Tarar, the prime minister has decided to make the matter an example so that no government official dares to display negligence or carelessness when it comes to human lives in the future.

Eight officers suspended and removed from their posts

According to officials, the prime minister has ordered the immediate suspension and removal from their posts of eight individuals including the Executive Director of PIMS, two Joint Executive Directors, the head of the Neonatal Department, two doctors, the PIMS Security Officer and the Director General of Emergency Services at the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

One nurse and one female security guard have been placed on the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) list while further investigations into their roles have been ordered.

The prime minister made it clear that those responsible for the loss of 14 innocent lives would face action without discrimination and that the matter would not be limited to suspension or departmental inquiries.

Criminal proceedings to be initiated against those responsible

The prime minister directed that criminal cases be registered under the relevant criminal laws against those responsible for serious negligence and criminal carelessness.

According to the government, the purpose of the action is to identify those responsible hold them accountable under the law and set a clear example to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Basic safety measures were not available at PIMS

The interim investigation report identified several serious shortcomings in the safety arrangements at PIMS.

According to the report, the hospital lacked adequate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training for dealing with emergencies. There was also no fire alarm or sprinkler system while the relevant supervisory staff were not present at the scene.

The report also stated that the rescue operation was delayed. The prime minister expressed concern that the issue was not limited to the cause of the fire. He said it was equally important to determine why basic safety arrangements required to protect newborn babies were not in place.

Sitara-e-Khidmat and Rs100 million reward for brave nurse

The courage of a nurse who risked her own life and attempted to save a baby during the tragedy was also acknowledged.

In recognition of her bravery and humanitarian spirit, the prime minister announced that the nurse would be awarded the Sitara-e-Khidmat and approved a reward of Rs100 million for her.

Action against security company also approved

The prime minister also approved action against the private organisation responsible for security at PIMS and its relevant officials. The government made it clear that no individual regardless of their position or institutional affiliation would be given any concession for negligence in protecting innocent human lives.

New appointment to maintain PIMS administration

The prime minister approved the appointment of Dr Muhammad Salman as Acting Executive Director of PIMS. He also directed that new appointments be made immediately in place of the removed officers so that the hospital’s administrative and medical affairs could continue without interruption alongside the accountability process.

Interim investigation report to be made public

The prime minister has also directed that the interim investigation report into the PIMS tragedy be made public. The report will be published on the website of the Ministry of National Health Services. He further ordered that the comprehensive investigation continue and that a detailed final report be submitted.

According to Information Minister Atta Tarar, the prime minister has expressed his determination that all individuals responsible for negligence, carelessness and incompetence leading to the deaths of 14 innocent babies will face action without discrimination.

The government said that nothing can compensate the nation and the bereaved parents for the loss caused by the PIMS tragedy. However, steps are being taken to identify those responsible, initiate criminal proceedings and improve safety systems in hospitals to prevent such tragedies in the future.