Table of Contents
Dr Salman Appointed Acting Executive Director
Dr Muhammad Salman has assumed charge as executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended senior officials following an inquiry into a fire that killed 14 newborn babies . Salman, who also serves as CEO of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was appointed for three years or until a permanent officer is appointed, retaining additional charge of the NIH .
After assuming charge, Salman chaired a meeting with heads of various PIMS departments, including senior hospital officials and directors. The government has also appointed replacements for other suspended officials, with Dr Altaf Hussain, Dr Shmeela, Dr Nuzhat Yasmeen, and others taking additional charges .
Inquiry Findings and Safety Lapses
The interim inquiry report found serious shortcomings in PIMS’ fire preparedness, emergency response, and management systems . Key findings include:
- The first visible sign of fire appeared at 6:38am, with smoke rapidly filling the nursery within two minutes
- PIMS had no detailed or regularly rehearsed evacuation plan for the neonatal nursery
- Of 13 SOPs, references to fires or emergencies appeared in only two subsections
- No dedicated officer responsible for fire emergencies
- Some emergency exits and escape routes were locked or obstructed
- The first emergency call was recorded at 6:54am, 16 minutes after the fire became visible
- An earlier fire at the PIMS nursing hostel on July 6 had led to recommendations that were not adequately implemented
Safety Overhaul Ordered Across Islamabad
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has ordered health facilities in the capital to review and improve their fire and life-safety arrangements within seven days . Facilities must obtain fire-safety NOCs from the CDA Fire Department, install fire-protection systems, ensure emergency exits, and conduct regular fire-safety drills .
The government has recognized staff nurse Razia Noreen, who rescued a baby during the fire, with the Sitara-i-Khidmat and a cash award of Rs1 million . The inquiry committee, headed by former federal secretary Shahid Khan, has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report.
