Islamabad: Fourteen newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, leaving families devastated and raising fresh questions about hospital safety measures.
The fire reportedly began when an air-conditioning unit caught fire and was quickly intensified by oxygen connections, according to a hospital spokesman. Of the 15 babies in the ward at the time, 14 died.
Babies and mothers rescued from the fire
Seven other babies, two men and 10 mothers were rescued from the maternity ward, according to Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.
The babies who died were being cared for in a small nursery where incubators were located. A doctor and other medical staff were also present when the fire broke out.
Chaudhry said the emergency response took approximately six to seven minutes after authorities received the call and described the rescue operation as “excellent”, although some people at the scene criticised the response.
Families receive the bodies of their babies
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of all 14 babies who died had been handed over to their families after their identities were confirmed.
Chaudhry said some families identified the babies through their wristbands, while others were able to identify them based on their ages. The minister said Islamabad’s forensic facilities were also used during the identification process.
The babies were of different ages, with some reportedly only three hours old and others around three days old, making the tragedy particularly distressing for the affected families.
Fire raises serious hospital safety concerns
The tragedy has prompted calls for stronger safety measures in hospitals. A father who lost his baby criticised the safety arrangements at the facility, alleging that there were no proper exits and that doors were closed.
However, PIMS Executive Director said the maternity ward door was not locked, explaining that it was manned because of concerns about the possibility of babies being stolen.
Two senior Pakistani senators have also called for improved hospital safety systems, with one stressing the urgent need to modernise safety arrangements.
Investigation ordered into the tragedy
Islamabad’s District Magistrate has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the fire, including its cause and the safety measures that were in place before the incident.
The committee has been asked to submit its report within 24 hours. The investigation is expected to examine how the fire spread, the hospital’s emergency arrangements and whether existing safety measures were adequate to protect vulnerable newborns and their families.
The tragedy at one of Pakistan’s largest state-run hospitals has intensified concerns over the need for effective fire prevention, emergency exits and modern safety systems in healthcare facilities.