Deadly Hospital Fire in Islamabad Claims Lives of 15 Newborns

POLICY WIRE — Islamabad, Pakistan — A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has resulted in the deaths of 15 newborn infants. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, causing widespread grief and raising serious questions about hospital safety protocols.

Authorities confirmed the fatalities, stating that the fire broke out in the neonatal ward. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Family members and police officers were seen outside the mortuary, mourning the loss of the infants.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy. We must ensure that such a disaster never happens again,” he said in a statement.

Federal Health Authorities visited the hospital and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. “We will leave no stone unturned to find out what went wrong and ensure that all safety measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he assured.

The hospital administration has faced immediate backlash, with calls for accountability and improved safety standards. Local media reports indicate that the neonatal ward lacked adequate fire safety equipment, including sprinklers and alarms.

This incident has reignited concerns over the state of healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan. In recent years, several hospitals have been criticized for inadequate safety measures and poor maintenance.

In response to the growing public outcry, the government has announced an emergency review of all healthcare facilities nationwide to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)