Probe sought into deaths of newborns

RAWALPINDI:

The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at PIMS Islamabad and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the parents and relatives of the deceased children, while demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.

PIMA Central President Professor Atif Hafeez Siddiqui said that such a tragedy at the federal capital's central hospital raises a serious question mark over patient safety, fire safety and arrangements for dealing with emergencies at hospitals.

As a representative organisation of doctors, PIMA views the incident with grave concern because if such concerns regarding safety arrangements exist in the capital, it becomes even more necessary to review the situation in hospitals in remote areas of the country.

PIMA demanded that a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident be completed immediately and that the causes of the fire, fire safety system, emergency response, evacuation arrangements and responsibility of the relevant institutions be determined.

Where negligence or dereliction is established, those responsible should be identified and effective action taken according to law.