A high-level inspection team is likely to visit the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) tomorrow following the recent hospital fire.
The expected inspection comes after a deadly fire at the PIMS nursery claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The incident has raised serious concerns about hospital safety and the circumstances surrounding the fire.
According to sources, the PIMS administration has taken several measures ahead of the expected inspection. Leaves of heads of both clinical and non-clinical departments have reportedly been cancelled.
The administration has also directed all department heads to remain present during the inspection. Furthermore, department heads have been instructed to ensure the timely attendance of their subordinate staff.
The orders were issued by the Executive Director of PIMS as preparations began for the expected visit of the inspection team.
PIMS departments to come under inspection
The high-level team is expected to inspect both clinical and non-clinical departments at PIMS. Officials from different departments are also expected to brief the inspection team during the visit.
Meanwhile, the PIMS administration has been directed to keep all relevant records and information available for examination.
The instructions indicate that the inspection will cover various aspects of the hospital’s functioning. Department heads and other relevant officials are expected to remain available to provide information and respond to questions.
The administration has also been asked to ensure the presence of subordinate staff. This follows the decision to cancel the leaves of clinical and non-clinical department heads.
The expected inspection comes as questions continue to surround the circumstances of the fire at the PIMS nursery.
Contradictions emerge over cause of PIMS fire
Earlier, differences emerged between statements from the health minister and doctors regarding the cause of the fire at the hospital.
The health minister said a spark fell from the air conditioner and caused the fire. However, a gynaecologist gave a different account of how the incident started.
According to the gynaecologist, the spark came from a bundle of wires rather than the air conditioner. The differing accounts have consequently raised questions about the circumstances that led to the deadly incident.
The issue also came under discussion during remarks by Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health Mahesh Kumar.
Speaking on the programme The Reporters, Mahesh Kumar said that nurses appeared confused when they were questioned about the incident. He further said it seemed they had been taught what answers to give.
He called for the reports of all three committees to be submitted within 48 hours. He said this would allow the entire nation to see the findings.
The chairman added that the Standing Committee would examine how much truth the reports contained.
Standing Committee visits PIMS
The Standing Committee on Health also visited PIMS following the fire incident.
During the visit, committee members demanded the resignations of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and the head of PIMS.
The committee’s visit came amid growing questions about the circumstances surrounding the fire. It also followed conflicting statements about the source of the spark that reportedly triggered the incident.
The committee is expected to examine the findings of the relevant committees once their reports are submitted.
The demand for the reports within 48 hours has also placed focus on the findings being prepared about the incident. These reports are expected to provide details about the circumstances surrounding the fire.
14 newborn babies killed in PIMS nursery fire
The deadly fire at the PIMS nursery resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies.
The incident occurred at the hospital’s nursery, where the newborns were being cared for. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the fire and the hospital’s response.
Amid the incident, an aunt managed to rescue one newborn from the nursery.
The expected high-level inspection therefore comes at a critical point for PIMS. Officials from clinical and non-clinical departments are expected to remain present and provide relevant information.
The administration has also been instructed to keep records and other relevant information ready for examination.
As the inspection team is expected to visit the hospital tomorrow, attention remains focused on the findings that may emerge from the review.
The conflicting accounts regarding the source of the spark have also added another important dimension to the inquiry.
While the health minister attributed the spark to the air conditioner, a gynaecologist said it came from a bundle of wires. The differing statements have made the determination of the fire’s cause a key issue surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Health has sought the reports of all three committees within 48 hours. It has also indicated that the reports will be examined to determine the accuracy of their findings.
For now, PIMS officials have been directed to ensure the presence of department heads and their subordinate staff. Relevant records and information must also remain available for the expected inspection.
The high-level inspection could consequently become an important step in examining the circumstances surrounding the PIMS nursery fire and the subsequent findings.
