[REVISION HISTORY]

PIMS hospital fire and subsequent safety reforms

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2026-09-18 09:36 UTC → 2026-09-20 15:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which occurred on August 26, has resulted in a total of 15 newborn deaths. The blaze, reportedly caused by a faulty air-conditioning unit, spread through a nursery containing 15 newborns in incubators or on oxygen. The final victim, an infant girl rescued by nurse Razia Noorain, died on September 17 after 22 days of treatment for complications including sepsis, pulmonary bleeding, and cardiac arrest. The tragedy has highlighted significant flaws in Pakistan’s healthcare system. While the nation manages high external debt, reports indicate that less than 1 per cent of the GDP was allocated to healthcare in the last fiscal year. This incident has drawn criticism regarding the government's ability to provide essential services, noting a decline in the country’s United Nations Human Development Index ranking. Following a review of an inquiry and a performance audit by the Ministry of National Health Services, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered that short-term safety measures from the inquiry report be implemented within three months. The Prime Minister emphasized aligning the hospital with international standards and directed the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre to assist with fire safety systems. The action plan must also ensure the free provision of medicines and facilities at the hospital. In broader safety mandates, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been tasked with ensuring fire safety compliance and conducting audits for all public and private hospitals and buildings in Islamabad. Additionally, the Prime Minister directed an audit of Polyclinic Hospital to address irregularities and the preparation of a restructuring plan.

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