Nurse Razia Noorain rescues newborn in fatal PIMS hospital fire

Nurse Razia Noorain has been recognized for her bravery after rescuing a newborn during a fatal fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursery in Islamabad. Security footage indicates Noorain spent approximately eight seconds inside the smoke-filled nursery to retrieve one infant, shielding the child against her chest to protect it from the flames.

While the rescue saved one life, the tragedy resulted in the deaths of 14 other newborns. An inquiry noted that conditions within the nursery deteriorated catastrophically within two minutes of the fire breaking out on August 26. In response to the incident, eight officials have been suspended.

Noorain, who stated her actions were driven by her instincts as a nurse and a mother, will be awarded the Sitara-e-Khidmat and a financial reward by the government. The incident has sparked significant public discussion regarding fire safety protocols in medical facilities.