ISLAMABAD: The important details of the inquiry report into the PIMS Hospital tragedy have emerged, with the investigation committee recommending the removal of 10 officials.
The report has identified several senior officials as responsible for negligence, administrative shortcomings and lapses in the management of the hospital.
The sources said the committee has specifically recommended action against five senior officials over what it described as serious negligence and lack of proper oversight.
The inquiry report concluded that PIMS was being operated in an unprofessional manner and without an effective administrative structure.
The committee recommended replacing the officials facing removal with competent personnel to improve the hospital’s management and performance.
The report also called for the establishment of a permanent governing board for PIMS, stating that an effective oversight mechanism was essential for ensuring proper administration and accountability at the hospital.
The inquiry committee also addressed claims regarding the number of newborns present in the nursery when the fire broke out. Sources said the report rejected claims that more than 15 babies were present in the nursery at the time of the incident.
The committee determined that the nursery had a capacity of no more than 15 infants. It further attributed the explosion following the fire to oxygen, according to sources familiar with the findings.
The report has also raised concerns about the standard of medical and administrative facilities available at PIMS.
The committee recommended structural and administrative improvements to ensure better patient care, safety and institutional oversight.
The authority to make the inquiry report public has been given to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The final decision on removing the officials named in the report will also rest with the prime minister.
Prime Minister Calls Meeting on Inquiry Report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a meeting in Lahore to receive a briefing on the findings of the PIMS tragedy inquiry.
Meanwhile, sources in the Ministry of Health said PIMS Executive Director Dr Imran Sikandar had been directed to step aside from his position until the comprehensive investigation into the incident is completed.
Dr Sikandar declined to comment to the media, saying he did not wish to speak to journalists until the inquiry report was finalized.
