Health Minister Vows Accountability After PIMS Tragedy Claims 14 Lives

In a solemn address to the Senate on Friday, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed deep remorse over the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that resulted in the deaths of 14 infants. He emphasized that 'no one will be spared' in the quest for accountability, calling for sweeping reforms within the health sector.

Kamal conveyed the government's commitment to addressing the incident with seriousness, stating, 'This tragedy cannot be an episode lasting merely a few days.' He urged legislative members to engage actively in finding solutions and assured them that the government would support their efforts.

While acknowledging the profound loss of life, Kamal accepted personal responsibility. 'I am holding myself responsible, and I have presented myself to be held accountable,' he declared. He urged for an open-ended investigation and criticized the current health system as 'rotten,' highlighting that 400,000 children under five die annually from preventable causes.

He reiterated the need for reform, saying, 'Let us look at this as a test from God and protect the next child from dying.' Kamal stressed that meaningful change must follow this tragedy, stating, 'There is no point in making speeches if we fail to learn from this incident.'

In a bid to address the immediate fallout, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced Rs5 million in compensation for each family affected by the fire, acknowledging the profound grief experienced by the families. 'This is a small effort to share their sorrow,' he noted.

Chaudhry also mentioned the formation of an inquiry committee tasked with uncovering the circumstances surrounding the fire, promising that those found guilty of negligence would face severe repercussions. He added, 'The grief of the affected families cannot be compensated for, nor can their children be brought back.'

As the investigation continues, Kamal called for a collective effort to overhaul the health sector, asserting that the PIMS fire should serve as a catalyst for change. 'If you don’t trust the inquiry report, we will listen to you,' he said, inviting collaboration from the Senate to create a strategic roadmap that prevents future tragedies.

Source: www.dawn.com