Punjab authorities have ordered urgent fire safety measures at hospitals across the province following a deadly fire at an Islamabad healthcare facility.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to conduct a fresh audit of fire safety arrangements at public hospitals. The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has also issued emergency instructions for public and private healthcare facilities. The directives follow a fire at the Mother and Child Hospital of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. The incident killed 14 infants and raised serious concerns about hospital emergency preparedness.
According to preliminary information, a spark from an air conditioner may have caused the fire. The PHC directed hospitals to ensure functional firefighting equipment, trained staff and sufficient emergency resources. It also ordered regular emergency drills and effective procedures for fire and other emergencies.
Hospitals must comply with prescribed Minimum Service Delivery Standards. They must also meet requirements under the Facility Management System and Hospital Infection Control frameworks.
Hospitals Ordered to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness
Hospital administrations have been instructed to establish emergency codes, including “code red” for fire incidents.
They must also display emergency exit maps prominently and obtain required building safety and fitness certificates.
The PHC directed Rescue 1122 to inspect hospitals under the Punjab Community Safety Act, 2021, and related regulations.
“Under the applicable legal framework, the District Emergency Officers are authorised to inspect buildings, including hospitals, verify the installation and availability of fire safety arrangements, and issue a safety certificate valid for one year where the prescribed legal and regulatory requirements have been met,” the commission said.
Authorities have also been instructed to complete fire safety audits of public and private hospitals without delay.
Facilities failing to meet legal requirements will receive inspection reports with recommendations for improvements. Their details will also be shared with the PHC.
Maryam Orders 24-Hour Hospital Safety Audit
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokahri said Maryam had ordered a fresh safety audit across the province.
Deputy commissioners must immediately inspect fire extinguishers and firefighting arrangements at public health facilities.
Inspection teams will also assess emergency exits and their accessibility. They will coordinate with Rescue 1122 while reviewing emergency access arrangements.
Officials must submit a consolidated report on the inspections by August 27, 2026.
Maryam has additionally directed Rescue 1122 to review hydrant points at healthcare facilities. Authorities must identify locations requiring new hydrants and complete the work within one week.
Divisional commissioners will personally supervise the process. A compliance report is due by September 4.
Hospitals to Review Electrical and Fire Risks
Health departments must also review air conditioners, electrical wiring and electro-medical equipment at hospitals.
Officials will identify safety problems and ensure necessary repairs. A compliance report must reach the relevant authorities by August 29. Furthermore, deputy commissioners have been instructed to make monthly emergency mock drills a permanent practice at health facilities.
The Punjab government is also examining technology-based fire safety systems. Officials will prepare a feasibility report covering fire alarms, smoke detectors and water sprinklers. The proposed systems will focus particularly on intensive care units, nurseries and emergency departments at major hospitals.
The latest measures aim to identify safety gaps before emergencies occur. They also seek to strengthen hospitals’ ability to protect patients and staff during fires and other emergencies.
