Hospitals fined over safety lapses

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a major crackdown on hospitals and medical centres in the federal capital for violating fire and life safety regulations following the PIMS tragedy.

According to available records, challans have been issued to 48 public and private hospitals and medical centres after their fire and life safety arrangements were found inadequate. Fines totalling Rs14.05 million have been imposed on the institutions.

The CDA took action against various hospitals, clinics and medical centres on August 30 and 31, 2026. The fines ranged from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000, depending on the nature and severity of the violations.

Sources said several major and well-known hospitals in the capital were also among those penalised. PIMS, Polyclinic Hospital and Capital Hospital were each fined Rs500,000 for fire safety violations. Maroof International Hospital and Nori Hospital, among other major healthcare facilities, were also slapped with hefty fines.

According to the records, Riphah International Medical College, Owais Homeopathic Teaching Hospital, Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Advance International Hospital, River Garden Hospital and Islamabad International Hospital were also each fined Rs500,000.

During the inspections, fire detection systems, fire alarms, emergency exits, firefighting equipment and other fire and life safety arrangements were assessed. Serious safety deficiencies were found at several institutions. In some cases, arrangements for the safe evacuation of patients and staff during emergencies were also found unsatisfactory.

Sources said the CDA had previously issued multiple notices to several hospitals and medical centres, directing them to improve their fire safety arrangements. However, as the required measures were not taken, fines were now imposed.