Fire safety lapses exposed at capital hospitals

Following the tragic fire at PIMS Hospital that resulted in the deaths of newborn babies, serious deficiencies have also been found in fire prevention and emergency response arrangements at other major government hospitals in the federal capital.

Fire safety inspections of Capital Hospital and the Federal Government Polyclinic identified the absence of several basic safety arrangements and recommended immediate corrective measures.

A fire prevention safety inspection conducted at Capital Hospital on August 27, 2026, covered different blocks of the hospital, the plant room, pharmacy, cafeteria, garage, main generator and electrical panels.

According to the inspection report, important deficiencies existed in fire protection, protection of patients' lives and handling emergency situations, while the existing safety arrangements were deemed inadequate for the protection of patients, staff and visitors.

According to the report, a smoke-control system had not been installed in several blocks of Capital Hospital, while fire-rated doors were also absent at emergency exit routes.

Emergency staircases and safe evacuation routes were also deemed inadequate.

Deficiencies in fire-rated compartmentation and safety arrangements were also identified in critical areas, including intensive care units and operation theatres.

The fire safety inspection further revealed that several fire extinguishers at the hospital had expired, their number was also insufficient and some had not been installed properly.

Replacement of the old and non-functional water-based fire-fighting pipe system was recommended, while automatic sprinkler systems were also absent in several required blocks.

According to the report, the hospital did not have adequate emergency lighting arrangements throughout the facility, while trained staff required for 24-hour fire protection were also unavailable.

The inspection also identified the absence of a dedicated underground fire-fighting water reservoir and pumps, as well as a failure to conduct regular fire-fighting and emergency evacuation drills.

The Capital Development Authority recommended installation of a modern fire alarm and fire detection system at Capital Hospital, fire-rated doors at all emergency exit routes, safe escape routes, an automatic sprinkler system, an underground fire-fighting water reservoir, pumps and a water supply system.

It also stressed the deployment of trained fire-fighting staff, provision of emergency lighting and a smoke-control system, and regular emergency drills.

Meanwhile, a fire prevention safety inspection of the Federal Government Polyclinic in Sector G-6, Islamabad, also identified 34 deficiencies related to fire and life safety.

According to the inspection, proper emergency exit routes were not available in several important parts of the hospital, while some routes were found blocked or obstructed.