The federal government has suspended PIMS Executive Director Prof. Dr Rana Imran Sikandar for four months. The decision follows the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
The fire broke out in the hospital’s neonatal ward on August 26 and claimed the lives of 14 newborns. The government has also announced several administrative changes at PIMS following an inquiry into the tragedy.
Imran Sikandar Suspended for Four Months
According to an official notification, Imran Sikandar has been formally suspended from his position for four months.
Dr Muhammad Salman has been appointed Executive Director of PIMS for three years. He currently serves as Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr Salman will continue performing his NIH responsibilities alongside his new assignment at PIMS.
Meanwhile, Dr Altaf Hussain has been appointed Joint Executive Director of PIMS for three months. Separate administrative orders have also been issued concerning other departments at the hospital.
Inquiry Finds Fire Safety Shortcomings
The action follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval of suspensions against eight individuals.
Departmental and criminal proceedings have also been ordered against those identified in the inquiry. The investigation found serious shortcomings in fire safety and emergency arrangements at PIMS.
According to the inquiry findings, the neonatal ward lacked a fire alarm and sprinkler system.
The hospital also lacked detailed emergency procedures and adequate staff training. Only two subsections of PIMS’ 13 standard operating procedures reportedly addressed fires or other emergencies.
Emergency Response Examined
The inquiry also examined what happened during the first minutes of the fire. It found that supervisory staff were not present inside the ward when the blaze started.
Emergency services were reportedly contacted around six minutes after the fire began.
The first emergency response arrived approximately 15 minutes after the blaze started. Investigators found that the fire had engulfed the ward within around two minutes.
Eight Officials Face Action
Along with Imran Sikandar, several other PIMS officials have been identified for action.
They include Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Owais Ali Shah. Neonatal Department Head Prof. Dr Sadia Riaz and Senior Registrar Dr Naghma are also included.
Dr Nosheela Amjad and Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman also face action. CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman has also been named.
The government has ordered separate action against the private security company deployed at PIMS and relevant officials.
Nurse Razia Noreen Recognised for Rescue
Meanwhile, nurse Razia Noreen has been recognised for rescuing a newborn during the fire.
The government approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat civil award for her bravery. She will also receive a cash reward of Rs 10 million.
The interim inquiry report has been made public on the prime minister’s instructions. The inquiry committee is headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan.
In other news read more about: PM Shehbaz Announces Rs 10 Million Reward for Nurse Who Saved Baby in PIMS Fire
The committee has been directed to continue its investigation and prepare a more detailed report on the tragedy.
