Health ministry orders safety audit of healthcare facilities

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed a comprehensive review of fire safety and basic infrastructure at all hospitals, healthcare institutions, Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) under the Ministry of Health. Chairing an important meeting on Thursday, the minister reviewed measures to strengthen safety standards across healthcare facilities. The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary (Hospitals), Director General Health, Joint Secretary (Administration) and other senior officers. The meeting decided to engage an expert consultancy firm to conduct a detailed assessment of fire safety arrangements and key infrastructure systems at health institutions. The assessment will cover fire safety, electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), medical gas systems, biomedical equipment and medical waste management. Based on the findings, a comprehensive and practical action plan will be prepared to address identified deficiencies and introduce necessary improvements. The federal minister directed the officials to accord top priority to the safety of patients, healthcare workers and the general public, and ensure effective implementation of safety measures to prevent accidents and emergencies in healthcare facilities.