The fire broke out at around 6:45am on Wednesday at the nursery of the Mother and Child Health Care Centre at PIMS in Islamabad. Fourteen newborns died in the incident, while one baby was rescued.
Following the tragedy, PIMS management has decided not to admit new maternity cases, citing limited capacity after the fire. PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar confirmed that the hospital cannot accommodate patients beyond its available capacity.
According to the executive director, 15 nursery beds were completely destroyed in the fire. The nursery had a total of 50 beds, of which only 35 remain operational.
PIMS management said affected children and patients would be shifted to other hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Letters have also been sent to relevant hospitals to facilitate the transfers, while some children have already been moved to Polyclinic.
Initial reports had suggested that an air-conditioner compressor or a short circuit may have caused the fire. However, a preliminary report by PIMS administration stated that a nebulizer connected to an incubator, used to monitor oxygen levels, exploded, causing the oxygen to catch fire.
The report said smoke generated by the fire entered the infants’ respiratory systems through the piping system. The deaths were also attributed to disruption of oxygen supply and burn injuries.
The incident triggered scenes of grief at the hospital as parents and relatives gathered to receive the bodies of the newborns. The bodies were handed over to families in phases.
Rescue officials said several people, including women, were safely evacuated from the building. The tragedy has also raised questions about fire safety arrangements, emergency exits, staff availability and rescue procedures at the hospital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and ordered a high-level investigation. The federal health secretary was also suspended following the tragedy.
PIMS management separately formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said those found responsible for negligence or failure to perform their duties would be held accountable.
PIMS management said the reduction in nursery capacity has created additional pressure on the hospital and alternative arrangements are being made to manage patients and reduce the burden on the facility.
