Hospitals Lack Fire Hydrants: Emergency Response Questioned

Following a fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Rawalpindi divisional administration has identified a critical lack of fire hydrants in government hospitals across five districts: Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum. A total of 49 hydrants are required, with only 21 reportedly installed, prompting directives for their urgent installation.

During a meeting chaired by Commissioner Salman Ghani, officials reviewed public health, fire safety, and emergency response measures. The installation of the remaining hydrants is expected to be completed soon. The commissioner also mandated the nomination of fire wardens and managers in all hospitals, ensuring fire extinguishers are functional and regularly maintained.

Efforts are underway to ensure 24-hour water availability for hydrants through connections to underground water, tubewells, and storage. Specific progress updates were shared for Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum districts regarding fire extinguisher functionality, building audits, and electrical wiring reviews. Murree also reported progress on hydrant installations and completed mock exercises for hospital staff.

Work on installing two hydrants each at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, and Benazir Bhutto Hospital has commenced. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is surveying for new water supply lines, anticipating the installation of four additional hydrants next month. Commissioner Ghani also inspected Benazir Bhutto Hospital, emphasizing the need for IR cameras for smoke detection and ensuring emergency exits remain unobstructed and accessible.