ISLAMABAD: A notification has been issued for the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital.
According to the notification, retired federal secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed chairman of the inquiry committee. Major General (retd) Dr Khursheed Atra, Dr Nabeel Awan and the Islamabad deputy commissioner will serve as members.
The committee will determine the causes of the fire at PIMS and establish a complete timeline of the incident. It will also review the emergency response and rescue operations carried out by hospital staff, the fire brigade and rescue agencies.
The committee will examine compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) concerning the evacuation of newborn and high-risk babies, as well as the fire safety infrastructure and safety regulations at PIMS.
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It will also identify individuals responsible for any negligence in the incident and determine their respective responsibilities. In addition, the committee will recommend reforms to PIMS’s administrative system to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to the notification, the committee will submit an interim report to the prime minister within 48 hours, while a comprehensive report containing its findings and recommendations will be submitted within five days.
The Ministry of National Health has also been directed to immediately notify the inquiry committee and provide it with the necessary assistance.
