KARACHI: In the wake of the PIMS fire tragedy that claimed 14 newborn lives in Islamabad, the Sindh government has received fire safety reports from 22 government hospitals.
The exercise was initiated as part of a nationwide audit ordered after the PIMS incident exposed systemic lapses in hospital safety infrastructure.
Incomplete Data from Major Institutions
According to health department sources, the fire safety data of NICVD, SIUT Karachi and Sukkur, and PUHMS remains incomplete.
Reports from Khairpur Medical College and Gambat also lack full details, while several major medical institutions have not provided records at all.
Lack of Fire Alarms and Sprinklers
The audit reveals alarming gaps: Civil Hospital Karachi, with 1,750 beds, has 180 fire extinguishers but no fire alarms or sprinklers, and its electrical wiring requires urgent repair.
Jinnah Hospital Karachi, a 2,208‑bed facility, has 208 extinguishers but similarly lacks alarms and sprinklers, though fire drills are conducted regularly.
NICH, with 533 beds, was found to have 40 faulty extinguishers, no alarms, and irregular fire drills. Lyari General Hospital operates with only 20 extinguishers for 700 beds, one alarm, and no sprinklers.
Smaller Hospitals Also Vulnerable
Qatar Hospital Orangi has 25 extinguishers but no alarms, while Saudabad Hospital has 18 extinguishers and no drills.
And, GMMC Sukkur’s children’s ward lacks a clear safety route, with only 20 extinguishers and no alarms.
SIMS Shahdadpur has just five extinguishers. LUMS Hyderabad and Jamshoro both lack alarms and sprinklers despite having extinguishers.
Satisfactory Arrangements in Few Facilities
The SMBB Trauma Center and Korangi Children’s Institute were declared satisfactory, with operational alarms, hydrants, and regular drills. Jacobabad Institute also met safety standards.
Background
It may be recalled that the federal government had ordered fire safety audits nationwide after the PIMS nursery fire exposed gross negligence, ignored warnings, and absent staff.
The Sindh audit now underscores similar vulnerabilities, raising urgent questions about preparedness in the province’s largest hospitals.
