Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to establish a technical task force to prevent fire incidents in hospitals and ensure an effective response to emergencies.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on Thursday. The meeting conducted a detailed review of fire safety, electrical safety and emergency response arrangements in government teaching hospitals across the province.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said protection of the lives and property of patients and hospital staff was the government’s top priority, directing authorities to ensure fire and electrical safety measures in hospitals at all costs.
He said a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted towards negligence, carelessness and irresponsibility. The minister directed that hospital staff be provided regular training in fire safety and emergency response with the assistance of Rescue 1122.
He also ordered the appointment of a fire warden and emergency response personnel in every ward and directed hospitals to prepare comprehensive emergency response plans. A clear timeline should also be set for providing medical and emergency equipment to hospitals, he added.
The minister warned that officers and employees failing to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law and rules would face action.
Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said fire alarm and fire detection systems were being installed in hospitals across Punjab on an emergency basis. He directed that detailed inspections of electrical equipment, wiring and other electrical systems be conducted, with monthly reports submitted to the Health Department.
He directed chief executive officers, medical superintendents and deputy medical superintendents of all hospitals to prepare evacuation and emergency response plans within 24 hours in coordination with Rescue 1122.
The meeting further decided that all hospitals would complete inspections of fire safety and emergency equipment and submit audit reports. Construction and safety audits of hospitals would also be carried out in collaboration with the Communications and Works Department.
The meeting directed divisional and district administrations, the Health Department, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, the Communications and Works Department and other relevant institutions to coordinate closely to identify potential hazards in hospitals and ensure their timely removal.
Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer, divisional commissioners, vice chancellors, executive directors, medical superintendents and other senior officials attended the meeting.
