Islamabad (Pakistan News) Following the PIMS tragedy, action against hospitals and medical centers in the federal capital has been intensified, with 48 public and private institutions fined a total of Rs14.05 million for inadequate fire and life safety arrangements.
Fire prevention and life protection arrangements were reviewed at 48 hospitals and medical centers in Islamabad, where serious shortcomings were found at several locations.
The Capital Development Authority conducted surprise inspections to review fire safety measures and imposed fines on relevant institutions for failing to complete safety arrangements. Challans were issued to various hospitals and medical centers on August 30 and 31, with fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000.
According to a statement, PIMS, Polyclinic and Capital Hospital were each fined Rs500,000, while a well-known private hospital in Islamabad was also fined Rs500,000. According to the CDA, these institutions had previously been issued multiple notices to improve their safety arrangements.
PIMS had previously received six notices, Polyclinic seven and Capital Hospital six notices, while the well-known private hospital had also been issued nine notices previously.
According to sources, serious deficiencies were found in fire detection equipment, emergency alarms, emergency exits and firefighting systems at various hospitals. Along with imposing fines, the relevant administrations were strictly directed to immediately comply with the prescribed fire and life safety standards.
The CDA has decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward fire safety violations and indicated that further action will be taken against institutions that fail to improve their safety arrangements.