Fire safety systems found incomplete at 3 major govt hospitals

Rawalpindi - Fire safety arrangements at major government hospitals in Rawalpindi came under scrutiny after the death of 14 infants in fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Wednesday, with the fire safety systems at only two of the city's five major hospitals reported to be fully operational, according to sources. The sources at different hospitals said the fire safety system installed at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) was fully functional. Fire hydrants, fire alarms and emergency exits were also operational at the facility that became functional in the recent past. The fire safety system at Wah General Hospital was also reported to be functional fulfilling all requirements, sources said. However, the arrangements at major three tertiary institutes i.e. Benazir Bhutto Hospital, District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital and Holy Family Hospital were not yet fully installed, different officials revealed during discussion with The Nation. The HFH has 175 fire extinguishers, while 251 extinguishers have been installed at BBH and DHQ, they added. At Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), 96 fire extinguishers have been installed, while fire hydrants have also been provided. CDA launches solid waste management plan Authorities have directed the hospitals to install and activate fire alarms, emergency exits and smoke-detection systems beside functional water hydrants inside the hospital premises as part of efforts to strengthen fire safety arrangements. Special instructions have also been issued to ensure that paediatric and gynaecology wards are made 100 per cent safe. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Thursday visited Rawalpindi and received a briefing from the hospital administrations, the sources said. Commissioner and deputy commissioner Rawalpindi also visited the hospitals and directed the administrations to ensure effective fire safety arrangements. Islamabad Police claim reduction in property crimes by 27pc Teams from Rescue 1122 and the district administration also inspected the hospitals and made their recommendations to the relevant authorities, the sources added. The fire safety systems already installed at the hospitals will be made more effective and upgraded where required. Standard operating procedures have also been issued for monitoring electricity-related systems and equipment in the hospitals to reduce the risk of fire incidents. Authorities have directed hospital administrations to ensure compliance with the safety measures and address deficiencies on a priority basis. Tags: firesafetysystemsincomplete