The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered a province-wide review of fire safety arrangements in hospitals and health facilities. The move comes amid concerns over emergency preparedness and the ability of medical facilities to respond to fire incidents.
The decision was taken during a meeting attended by officials from Civil Defence, Rescue 1122, District Health Offices and other relevant departments. Officials discussed existing fire safety arrangements and examined the emergency response mechanisms currently available at hospitals.
Authorities will assess whether hospitals have adequate systems to prevent and respond to fire-related emergencies. The review will also focus on the readiness of health facilities to act quickly if a fire breaks out.
The government’s decision is aimed at identifying weaknesses in existing safety arrangements. Officials will examine whether hospitals have proper emergency procedures and other necessary measures to protect patients, medical staff and visitors.
The KP Health Secretary has also directed authorities to establish fire safety committees at both divisional and district levels. These committees will be responsible for overseeing safety arrangements and helping authorities identify potential risks.
The committees are expected to play a key role in reviewing fire safety conditions at health facilities. They will also help improve coordination between hospitals and emergency response departments during critical situations.
The province-wide review comes as fire safety remains an important concern for hospitals. Medical facilities accommodate large numbers of patients, including elderly and critically ill people who may require assistance during an emergency.
Officials from Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence will be involved in the assessment process. Their participation is expected to help authorities evaluate the practical response capabilities of hospitals during fire incidents.
The review will cover health facilities across the province. Authorities have been directed to complete the assessment and submit a detailed report within one week.
The report is expected to highlight gaps in fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness. It could also help the government determine what measures are needed to improve safety standards in hospitals.
Hospital administrations will therefore be required to cooperate with the review teams. Any weaknesses identified during the process can then be addressed through appropriate safety measures and improved emergency planning.
The KP government’s decision reflects the importance of maintaining proper safety systems in public health facilities. Effective fire prevention and emergency response measures can help reduce risks to patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
Authorities are now expected to complete the province-wide assessment within the given deadline. The findings will provide the government with a clearer picture of fire safety preparedness across hospitals and health facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
