ISLAMABAD: The initial investigation report into the PIMS tragedy probe has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the inquiry committee reportedly identifying the causes of the incident and recommending action against those found responsible.
The report was prepared by an inquiry committee headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan.
The report carries the signatures of all members of the committee and contains findings regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, the response of rescue teams and shortcomings in hospital facilities.
In this regard, the inquiry committee has determined the factors that contributed to the PIMS tragedy and identified individuals or officials considered responsible.
The report has also recommended immediate action against those responsible.
The committee has examined the performance of relevant hospital departments and interviewed PIMS administrators and doctors.
The statements from fire brigade and rescue teams have also been incorporated into the investigation.
The investigation mention difficulties faced by rescue teams during emergency operations.
It also mentions the absence of relevant PIMS staff and recommends disciplinary action against personnel who were not present when required.
The report has raised concerns over treatment arrangements and inadequate facilities at the hospital. According to sources, the committee observed that several aspects of the hospital’s arrangements did not meet international standards.
The inquiry has also proposed measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, with recommendations focusing on emergency preparedness, safety arrangements and institutional accountability.
The formal notification has been issued and comprehensive audits will be conducted through authorised and specialised fire safety companies.
The inspections will assess fire alarms, firefighting equipment, emergency exits and evacuation routes.
The ministry has instructed hospitals to address safety deficiencies that could pose an immediate threat to life or property on a priority basis.
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority has also been directed to initiate and verify fire safety audits at public and private healthcare institutions.
The authority will submit a comprehensive compliance report to the Ministry of Health, identifying institutions where audits have started and those where the process remains pending.
The move is aimed at establishing a broader safety assessment of healthcare facilities following the PIMS incident.
High-Level Inspection Team Expected at PIMS
Meanwhile, a high-level inspection team is expected to visit PIMS on August 29 to examine both clinical and non-clinical departments.
The leaves of heads of clinical and non-clinical departments have reportedly been cancelled to ensure their presence during the inspection.
In such a case the Prime Minister has suspended the Federal health Secretary immediately. In addition, the PIMS administration has directed departmental heads to ensure the timely attendance of relevant staff.
The inspection team is expected to examine different hospital departments and receive briefings from officials.
The developments indicate that the authorities are seeking not only to determine accountability for the PIMS tragedy but also to strengthen emergency preparedness and fire safety standards across healthcare institutions.
