Inquiry Reveals Institutional Failures Behind PIMS Fire Tragedy

In a grim outcome of an inquiry into the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), investigators have pinpointed 'systemic and institutional failure' as the underlying cause of the disaster that claimed the lives of 14 newborns. The report, released on Tuesday, asserts that an electrical failure was the most likely trigger for the blaze that erupted on August 26 at a nursery within the Mother and Child Hospital.

The committee, led by former interior secretary Shahid Khan, was assembled following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the day of the incident. In their comprehensive 43-page report, committee members highlighted the profound failures in safety protocols and the inherent risks that went unaddressed within the institution.

Failures in Safety Protocols

The inquiry's findings suggest that PIMS management failed to transform known risks and warnings into effective safety measures. The report states, "Fourteen newborns were lost not because one safeguard failed, but because too many safeguards were absent, weak, delayed or never verified to be working." This systemic failure was compounded by overcrowding and inadequate emergency response plans, which hampered rescue efforts.

Investigation Findings and Future Accountability

Utilizing a structured investigation involving forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and witness statements, the committee concluded that the fire's origin was likely an electrical fault linked to an air conditioning unit. While the report does not establish criminal guilt against any individuals, it calls for focused investigations into potential negligence regarding electrical maintenance and the failure to act on prior warnings. The report also underscores that emergency responders should not be blamed for the tragic outcome, as their actions were commendable under the circumstances.

Source: www.dawn.com