On Wednesday, a tragic fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, the nation’s capital. Local broadcaster Geo TV reported that the blaze was triggered by a fault in the hospital’s air‑conditioning system while cooling operations were underway.
Casualties and rescue effort
According to the report, there were 16 newborns in the gynaecology ward at the time the fire started. One infant was rescued, but the remaining 15 infants perished in the blaze. Hospital staff and emergency responders worked quickly to contain the fire and evacuate patients, but the rapid spread of flames in the ward proved fatal for the vulnerable newborns.
Hospital response and investigation
Hospital officials confirmed that the fire originated in the air‑conditioning equipment and spread to the ward where the infants were being cared for. An internal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the equipment failure and to assess whether safety protocols were followed.
Authorities have pledged to review safety standards across all state‑run medical facilities in Pakistan to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster. The Ministry of Health has been asked to provide guidance on improving fire safety measures, especially in areas where vulnerable patients, such as newborns, receive care.
Community reaction
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and prayers from families across the country. Religious leaders have called for prayers for the souls of the deceased infants and for comfort for the grieving families. Community groups are organizing support efforts, including counseling services for the parents and families affected.
Public health advocates are urging the government to prioritize upgrades to hospital infrastructure, emphasizing that reliable air‑conditioning and fire‑suppression systems are essential for protecting patients, especially the most defenseless.
International attention
The incident has drawn attention from international health organizations, which have expressed condolences and offered assistance in reviewing hospital safety standards. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated a willingness to collaborate with Pakistani health officials to improve emergency response protocols in medical facilities.
As the investigation continues, officials have promised transparency and regular updates to the public. The loss of 15 newborns underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in healthcare settings, a priority that the Pakistani government says will be addressed promptly.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
