Prime Minister PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed health authorities to personally oversee improvement measures at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) following a recent fire incident at the hospital.
The prime minister issued the directives on Wednesday after returning from Kyrgyzstan and chairing an emergency meeting focused on affairs of the Ministry of Health and the PIMS fire incident.
PM Shehbaz ordered authorities to improve treatment facilities at the hospital and ensure that all required safety measures are fully implemented.
Health Officials Ordered to Visit PIMS
The prime minister directed Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and the health secretary to maintain personal oversight of improvement efforts at PIMS.
According to the directives, the health minister and health secretary are to ensure their presence at the hospital on alternate days and supervise measures aimed at improving its facilities and services.
The move is intended to strengthen monitoring of the hospital’s ongoing improvement efforts and ensure that decisions taken by the government are implemented effectively.
PM Reviews PIMS Fire Investigation
A special briefing was given during the emergency meeting on the ongoing investigation into the PIMS fire incident.
The prime minister was informed about developments in the investigation, including the implementation of decisions taken in light of the interim investigative report.
PM Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure that the recommendations and decisions arising from the investigation are properly implemented.
He also made it clear that officials found responsible for criminal negligence would not receive any leniency.
The directive signals a firm approach toward accountability as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the hospital fire.
Treatment Facilities to Be Improved
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz ordered improvements in treatment facilities at PIMS.
The prime minister emphasized the need for better healthcare services and directed the relevant authorities to accelerate efforts aimed at strengthening the hospital.
PIMS is one of the country’s major public healthcare institutions, making the condition of its treatment facilities and safety systems an important concern for patients, medical staff and visitors.
The government is expected to focus on addressing shortcomings identified during the review and ensuring that necessary improvements are carried out.
Health Sector Reforms to Be Accelerated
The prime minister also directed the government to speed up reforms in the health sector.
The instruction came as officials briefed him on broader health sector affairs as well as the specific situation at PIMS.
PM Shehbaz stressed the need for continued improvements in healthcare services and stronger implementation of government decisions.
The emergency meeting brought together senior officials responsible for health and related government affairs, allowing the prime minister to review both immediate concerns at PIMS and wider health sector matters.
Officials Attend Emergency Meeting
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Health Secretary Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood and PIMS Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman.
The officials briefed the prime minister on developments within the health sector and provided a detailed update on the investigation into the PIMS fire.
The interim investigation was also discussed, with the prime minister receiving an update on steps being taken to implement his earlier decisions.
Focus on Hospital Safety
Safety measures at PIMS were another major focus of the prime minister’s directives.
PM Shehbaz ordered that all safety measures be fully implemented and that authorities maintain close supervision of the hospital.
The emphasis on safety follows the recent fire incident and reflects the government’s stated intention to prevent similar incidents and improve the protection of patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
The prime minister’s instructions also place greater responsibility on senior health officials to monitor conditions at the hospital rather than relying solely on administrative reports.
Accountability for Negligence
PM Shehbaz said officials found guilty of criminal negligence would face action and that no leniency would be shown.
The warning comes as the investigation into the fire continues and authorities work on implementing measures identified in the interim report.
The government is expected to use the findings of the investigation to determine responsibility and address any administrative or safety shortcomings identified during the process.
Also read: PM Shahbaz Sharif Unveils Bhara Kahu Bypass Project
