When a hospital needs saving: PIMS building not quake-resistant, says spokesperson

Patients, staff rushed out of the institute’s lawn when quake jolted the hospital building

ISLAMABAD: The earthquake on Monday that shook the entire region was a serious reminder of the dismal level of disaster preparedness in the country, and the lack of implementation of building codes even at the largest referral hospital in the nation’s capital.

“The hospital building was constructed 30 years ago — it is an old building but by the grace of God, it survived the impact of the strong earthquake,” Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Spokesperson Ayesha Ishani, told The Express Tribune.

She said that the hospital’s main building was constructed back in 1985, and its structure was not earthquake proof.



Ishani further said that at the time of the earthquake around 600 patients were admitted in the hospital and majority of them rushed outside to the lawns of the institute.

She said that a four-member committee was constituted on an emergency basis to evaluate the condition of the building to assess any damage caused due to the earthquake.

Ishani said the committee would present a report within six hours so that all precautionary measures necessary were taken.

All public hospitals in the twin cities remained on high alert on Monday afternoon.

An emergency cell has been established at the Polyclinic to deal with any untoward situation. Moreover, extra beds and medicines have been arranged at the Pims.



Meanwhile, 19 patients were brought to the two major public hospitals with 11 at PIMS and eight at Polyclinic.

Dr Ishani said that some of the patients received by the hospital were in a state of shock.

“They were really terrified, a bit unconscious, pale, sweating, shivering and short of breath,” she said.

Hospital sources said that majority of patients came with complaints of anxiety and panic attack.

Polyclinic Spokesperson Dr Tanveer Malik told The Express Tribune that the hospital had received seven women who suffered panic attacks.

When contacted, Dr Amir Ayub, a psychiatrist at a private hospital said that people might suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress among others.

“They suffer from sleeping disorders, and anxiety attacks,” he said.

“It is important that people suffering from severe depression and anxiety should immediately visit a psychiatrist and get treatment, otherwise it could have a bad impact on their mental health as they grow,” Dr Ayub suggested.

He further said that during such a situation people should remain calm and avoid panicking. “This will help them stay safe and avoid getting injured,” Dr Ayub said.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi DCO said that 15 people were injured as a result of the earthquake in the district.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2015.