BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, visited PIMS and reviewed the tragic deaths of 14 infants in the recent nursery fire.
The committee expressed serious concern over the reported absence of fire alarms, closure of emergency exits, lack of regular fire drills and possible administrative and safety lapses. Members also questioned the availability of doctors and duty staff during the incident.
The Federal Minister for Health informed the committee that, according to the preliminary inquiry, the fire spread within approximately 120 seconds. He also disclosed that an earlier fire incident at the PIMS Nursing Hostel in July 2026 had not been brought to his notice.
The committee unanimously called for a comprehensive, impartial and technically sound investigation and directed that those found responsible for negligence or violations must be held accountable.
The committee also raised concerns over the performance of CDA, Rescue authorities, Civil Defence, PIMS administration and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), while seeking reforms to strengthen fire safety, emergency preparedness, patient protection and institutional accountability.
Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti stressed the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms and directed the Health Ministry to formulate a nationwide healthcare policy focused on patient safety and prevention of such tragedies.
