Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat and a cash reward of Rs10 million for nurse Razia Noreen, who risked her life to rescue a newborn during the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier approved the award and financial reward during a meeting held to review the interim report of the inquiry committee constituted to investigate the PIMS fire incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Nurse Razia Noreen for demonstrating exceptional courage and responsibility by rushing to save a newborn despite the fire. He said the nurse had set an outstanding example of bravery by putting her own life at risk to save the child.
Such dedicated and responsible individuals cannot be praised enough, the prime minister said, adding that the entire nation was proud of Razia Noreen for her courageous act.
The prime minister also approved the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against several senior officials in connection with the incident.
Those suspended include PIMS Executive Director Prof Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Prof Dr Saadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheila Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman and CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman.
The prime minister directed that Dr Muhammad Salman, CEO of the National Institute of Health (NIH), be appointed as acting executive director of PIMS. He also ordered the immediate and simultaneous appointment of new officials in place of those removed from their positions.
The inquiry committee’s interim report identified serious shortcomings in fire safety and emergency preparedness at PIMS.
The report found violations of relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines in the hospital’s neonatal ward. It also noted that no dedicated officer was available to deal with fire or other emergencies, while an assistant director had been assigned the additional responsibility.
The preliminary investigation further found that PIMS lacked detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper training for dealing with fires and other emergency situations.
Of the hospital’s 13 SOPs, references to fire or emergencies were found in only two subsections, according to the report. It also noted that supervisory staff were not present on duty when the incident occurred.
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