ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the pims fire tragedy that claimed 14 newborn lives, serious lapses have now been revealed at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital in Islamabad. According to the hospital spokesperson, the facility has no smoke detectors, heat sensors, or fire hydrants installed, raising grave concerns about patient safety.
No Fire Drills, Inactive Emergency Lights
The spokesperson admitted that a fire drill has never been conducted at the hospital, though one is planned for the future.
Emergency lights remain inactive, leaving evacuation routes unclear in case of an emergency. Sources further disclosed that the hospital’s fire alarm system is “symptomatic” only, with no functional installation in place.
Audit Checklist Shows Missing Equipment
Officials confirmed that equipment listed in the safety checklist is not available at the CDA Hospital.
This revelation comes against the backdrop of a CDA audit report issued last December, which had already flagged outdated firefighting equipment, faulty alarm systems, and inadequate safety measures at PIMS. That report, it may be recalled here, had warned of the risk of a major tragedy — a warning tragically realized in the August 26 nursery fire.
Broader Concerns Over Hospital Safety
The disclosure about CDA Hospital underscores systemic weaknesses in Islamabad’s public health facilities.
With both PIMS and CDA Hospital found lacking in basic fire safety infrastructure, questions are being raised about the government’s oversight and preparedness. Health experts warn that without urgent reforms, patients and staff remain vulnerable to similar disasters.
