ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that no leniency would be shown to officials found guilty of criminal negligence in the August 26 fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 babies.
After returning to Islamabad from Kyrgyzstan, the prime minister chaired an emergency meeting on health affairs and the ongoing investigation into the PIMS fire, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Health Secretary Muhammad Mahmood and PIMS Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman attended the meeting.
The prime minister was briefed on matters concerning the health sector and progress in the investigation into the fire at the federal capital’s largest public-sector hospital.
Officials told the meeting that implementation of the prime minister’s directives was being ensured in light of the preliminary investigation report.
Shehbaz directed the health minister and health secretary to personally visit PIMS on alternate days and oversee the implementation of measures aimed at improving the hospital’s overall functioning.
He also ordered authorities to ensure better treatment facilities at PIMS and implement all necessary fire and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The prime minister further directed the Ministry of National Health Services to accelerate the process of reforms in the health sector.
Reiterating his stance on accountability, Shehbaz said officials found guilty of criminal negligence in the PIMS fire would not be given any concession, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The prime minister stressed that all necessary steps should be taken to improve healthcare services and strengthen safety arrangements at public-sector hospitals.
He directed the relevant authorities to ensure effective implementation of the decisions taken following the preliminary investigation and maintain regular oversight of reforms at PIMS.