ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said Wednesday that he had offered himself for accountability over the PIMS hospital tragedy and that anyone found responsible for negligence would not be spared.
Speaking to reporters outside the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Kamal said he had first presented himself before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accountability.
“The prime minister is my boss. Whatever decision he makes, I will accept it,” Kamal said when asked whether he would resign over the incident.
Kamal said a security guard had been deployed around the clock at another entrance because newborns had previously been stolen through that door. He added that a guard was also stationed along the evacuation route.
The minister said CCTV footage showed a spark near an air conditioner at 6:38 a.m., followed by people running from the area at 6:39 a.m.
“Nothing will be hidden. The evidence will come out,” Kamal said, adding that an investigation into the incident was underway and an inquiry report was expected within two to three days.
He said anyone found to have failed to perform their duties would be held accountable. Kamal added that he had traveled directly from the airport to the hospital and would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after leaving PIMS.
On the other hand, an initial report prepared by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said newborns who died in a nursery fire were killed by oxygen failure and severe burns.
According to the report, a nebulizer attached to an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit exploded, causing the oxygen to catch fire.
The report said the fire generated smoke that entered the babies’ airways through the pipes. The newborns died after their oxygen supply was disrupted and they suffered burns.
The report said the fire initially appeared limited but spread rapidly.
According to a statement issued by PIMS, the fire broke out at 6:38 a.m. Wednesday after a spark inside the nursery quickly developed into an intense blaze. Oxygen points connected to the incubators caused the fire to intensify suddenly.
Two doctors and two nurses began rescue efforts, while security personnel also joined the operation. Hospital staff attempted twice to enter the nursery to rescue the babies, the statement said.
PIMS said an explosion occurred at 6:39 a.m., causing parts of the ceiling to collapse. Four babies were safely evacuated from a room adjacent to the nursery, while three mothers were moved to a safe location. The hospital said 73 patients from the gynecology ward on the same floor were also evacuated within minutes.
Hospital officials said staff used 35 fire extinguishers installed at PIMS to control the blaze and that all emergency exits were open and operational.
PIMS expressed condolences to the families of the newborns who died in the incident.
