Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division Hafiz Shaukat Ali has ordered comprehensive fire safety audits of all public and private hospitals in the division, directing authorities to ensure 100 per cent compliance with safety protocols.
The commissioner, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry, visited Dr Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital (DHQ) Sargodha on Thursday and inspected wards, emergency facilities, entry and exit points, firefighting equipment, fire alarms, electrical wiring and other safety arrangements.
He directed that all firefighting equipment and emergency facilities remain fully operational and that fire hydrants be installed immediately wherever required. He warned that negligence in protecting the lives and property of patients, attendants and medical staff would not be tolerated.
Later, chairing a meeting with deputy commissioners of the division and officials from Rescue 1122, WASA and Municipal Services, Hafiz Shaukat Ali ordered the formation of separate committees to conduct detailed fire safety audits of public and private hospitals.
The committees will assess firefighting equipment, alarms, emergency exits and signage, electrical wiring and panels, and other safety installations. The commissioner ordered immediate replacement of defective wiring and removal of exposed or hanging wires, with electrical systems to be inspected by qualified electricians.
He also directed a comprehensive inspection of central oxygen systems and pipelines, regular practical fire drills for hospital staff, and strict adherence to emergency SOPs. WASA was instructed to install required fire hydrants without delay.
A third-party technical audit of the central oxygen unit at DHQ Hospital was also ordered, with a detailed report to identify and mitigate potential safety risks.
Hafiz Shaukat Ali stressed that fire safety was a continuous responsibility and directed all relevant departments to address every deficiency and ensure complete compliance with safety standards.
