Punjab government is taking new steps to strengthen fire safety at major public hospitals across the province.
Under the initiative, Rescue 1122 emergency officers will be deployed at government teaching hospitals.
The move aims to improve emergency preparedness and establish consistent safety procedures at tertiary-care healthcare facilities.
The decision follows concerns about hospital fire safety after the deadly PIMS nursery fire in Islamabad.
The incident reportedly claimed the lives of 14 newborns and raised serious questions about emergency preparedness.
Rescue 1122 Officers to Monitor Hospital Safety
Punjab’s Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department has contacted the Emergency Services Department regarding the plan.
Authorities want to establish a uniform emergency response mechanism across tertiary-care hospitals.
Under the proposed arrangement, Rescue 1122 officers will help standardise emergency response procedures. They will also monitor whether hospitals are following required safety protocols.
Emergency officers will coordinate with hospital emergency departments, security teams and fire-safety personnel. They will also work with other staff responsible for emergency management.
Regular inspections will form another important part of the initiative. Officers will examine emergency exits and check whether they remain accessible.
Fire extinguishers and other life-safety equipment will also be inspected regularly.
The objective is to ensure firefighting and evacuation arrangements remain functional during emergencies.
Punjab Plans New SOPs for Neonatal Units
The provincial government is also developing safety procedures specifically for nursery and neonatology units. An 11-member Technical Working Group has been formed for this purpose.
The committee will prepare standard operating procedures for public-sector teaching hospitals. These guidelines will cover fire safety, evacuation procedures and firefighting arrangements.
Electrical-load management will also be included in the new protocols. The working group will develop procedures for emergency drills at healthcare facilities.
Training modules will also be prepared for doctors, nurses and support staff. The committee has been given seven days to submit its recommendations.
Hospital Staff to Receive Fire Safety Training
The latest initiative builds on the existing emergency response responsibilities of Rescue 1122 across Punjab.
According to the service, its fire wing has responded to more than 245,000 fire incidents since 2007. The emergency service has also worked on fire prevention and safety measures across the province.
Fire-safety training has recently been expanded at healthcare facilities. Rescue personnel have trained hospital employees in firefighting and proper use of fire extinguishers.
Staff members are also being trained in emergency management and evacuation procedures.
These sessions include guidance on safely evacuating patients and hospital employees during emergencies. The latest measures aim to create a more coordinated emergency response system within Punjab’s teaching hospitals.
Authorities are focusing particularly on prevention, regular inspections and staff preparedness.
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The planned neonatal safety guidelines are expected to further standardise emergency procedures in sensitive hospital units.
