Karachi hospital strengthens round-the-clock emergency preparedness following Islamabad nursery fire that claimed lives of 14 newborn babies
KARACHI: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has established an 11-member Fire and Safety Committee to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure a rapid response to fires and other emergencies at the hospital.
The JPMC administration formed the committee on the directives of the hospital director as concerns over fire safety at major healthcare facilities intensified following the deadly blaze at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
Joint Executive Director Dr Salman said the administration would issue a formal notification regarding the committee’s establishment on Thursday.
Committee to Remain Operational Around the Clock
The hospital’s assistant director will head the committee, which will remain operational 24 hours a day to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
Moreover, the administration has prioritised employees who live within the hospital premises while selecting committee members. Officials believe their presence at the facility will enable the hospital to mobilise personnel quickly if a fire or another unforeseen incident occurs.
The committee will permanently oversee emergency preparedness instead of operating as a temporary arrangement.
Furthermore, its members will coordinate the hospital’s response during fire incidents and other emergencies, helping ensure organised action when rapid intervention becomes necessary.
PIMS Tragedy Prompts Stronger Safety Measures
JPMC introduced the measures after a devastating fire erupted in the nursery at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad on August 26, killing 14 newborn babies.
The tragedy has triggered renewed scrutiny of fire prevention and emergency-response arrangements at hospitals across Pakistan.
Consequently, JPMC moved to establish a dedicated mechanism that can coordinate emergency action around the clock and reduce response times.
The administration expects the committee to strengthen preparedness while ensuring that responsible personnel remain immediately available during emergencies.
Meanwhile, concerns about fire alarms and other safety arrangements at major Karachi hospitals have increased following the Islamabad tragedy.
JPMC officials said the new committee would remain permanently active and coordinate responses to fires as well as other unexpected situations requiring urgent intervention.
