Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed the provincial administration and hospital management to carry out an urgent audit of public sector health facilities, giving them just 24 hours to complete the review and submit their findings. The Punjab hospital fire safety audit was ordered in direct response to the recent tragedy at Islamabad’s PIMS hospital, where at least 14 infants lost their lives in a fire that broke out in the gynecology ward.
A letter issued by the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that priority instructions have been sent to public health facilities across the province, requiring an immediate check of fire safety arrangements, emergency exits, and firefighting equipment.
What the Punjab Hospital Fire Safety Audit Requires
Under the new directives, deputy commissioners have been tasked with verifying whether fire extinguishers and other firefighting tools at public hospitals are present and in working order. They have also been asked to work alongside Rescue 1122 teams to evaluate whether emergency exits at these facilities are accessible and properly designed.
Rescue 1122 has additionally been directed to inspect existing hydrant points for functionality and to pinpoint locations near health facilities where new hydrants should be installed. Departments responsible for this work have been given a one-week window to complete any necessary repairs or installations.
The government has also called for a full inspection of air conditioning units, electrical wiring, and other electro-medical equipment used across hospitals in the province. Health departments involved in this process must submit their compliance reports by August 29.
Monthly Drills and Long-Term Safety Upgrades Planned
As part of the broader safety push, deputy commissioners have been instructed to organize monthly emergency drills at health facilities, working in coordination with Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments, to ensure ongoing adherence to safety protocols.
CM Maryam Nawaz has gone a step further, directing health departments and the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) to prepare a feasibility study on introducing modern fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, and automatic water sprinklers. These upgrades would be prioritized in intensive care units, nurseries, and emergency wards, as well as at district, tehsil headquarters, and tertiary care hospitals throughout Punjab.
The move reflects growing pressure on provincial governments to strengthen hospital infrastructure following the PIMS fire, which exposed serious gaps in fire preparedness at public healthcare facilities.