Fire broke out in the gynecology ward of Lahore General Hospital on Tuesday, triggering an emergency evacuation.
Around 70 people were evacuated from the affected area, including pregnant women, patients and attendants. Heavy smoke quickly spread through the ward after the incident began in ceiling wiring.
Hospital staff responded immediately and moved people away from the affected section. The blaze was brought under control shortly afterward, preventing the situation from becoming more serious.
Short Circuit Reportedly Caused Fire
According to the available details, the Fire started after a short circuit in ceiling wiring. Smoke spread rapidly across the gynecology ward, creating concerns for patients and hospital staff.
Emergency procedures were activated, and around 70 people were safely evacuated. No patient, attendant or medical staff member was reported injured during the incident.
However, a security guard was affected by smoke inhalation. He was shifted to the hospital’s emergency department for medical treatment.
The hospital administration said the security guard was out of danger.
Punjab Government Responds to Incident
Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari confirmed the incident and provided details about the response.
She said no patients, attendants or medical staff members were harmed.
Bukhari said fire-alert arrangements had been completed at government hospitals under instructions from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She said the quick response at Lahore General Hospital demonstrated the effectiveness of these arrangements.
Incident Comes Days After PIMS Tragedy
The Lahore hospital incident comes shortly after a deadly Fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad.
According to the reference information, 14 newborn babies died following the PIMS neonatal ward incident.
The tragedy raised serious concerns about emergency preparedness and safety standards at healthcare facilities.
Following the deaths, the Ministry of National Health Services ordered immediate fire safety audits at government hospitals across Pakistan.
Hospitals Face Fire Safety Audits
The inspections will examine fire alarms, detection systems and firefighting equipment. Officials will also assess emergency exits, evacuation routes and electrical installations.
Other potential safety hazards will also be reviewed during the inspections. Hospitals have been instructed to address any serious or life-threatening deficiencies immediately.
They must also provide audit findings and implementation timelines to the ministry.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Health Secretary Aslam Ghori following the PIMS incident. An inquiry committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan was also formed.
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority has been tasked with overseeing safety audits at public and private hospitals.
The authority will also monitor the implementation of required safety measures.
In other news read more about: PIMS Fire Incident Sparks Concern Over Hospital Safety
The latest Lahore General Hospital incident has renewed attention on hospital fire safety and emergency preparedness across Pakistan.
