7-Day Deadline for Islamabad Health Facilities to Meet Safety Standards
Islamabad’s healthcare regulator has directed healthcare establishments to verify fire-safety approvals, detection and alarm systems, emergency exits, firefighting equipment and staff evacuation training, with documented compliance reports to be submitted within seven working days.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has directed healthcare establishments across the federal capital to undertake a fresh review of their fire and life-safety arrangements and submit documented compliance reports within seven working days.
According to an IHRA circular dated August 27, 2026, seen by Islamabad Tribune, the directive follows the Capital Emergency Service (Fire Department) of the Capital Development Authority reiterating the need for mandatory fire-prevention, fire-protection and life-safety measures at healthcare establishments operating in Islamabad Capital Territory.
The circular requires healthcare establishments to ensure that their safety arrangements are not merely installed but are functional, properly maintained, periodically tested and supported by documentary evidence.
Facilities Must Verify Fire-Safety Systems
Among the requirements listed by IHRA is a valid Fire Safety NOC or plan approval from CDA’s Capital Emergency Service. Healthcare facilities have also been asked to maintain preventive-maintenance records and functional testing reports for installed fire-protection systems through competent or registered contractors, where applicable.
The regulator has further directed facilities to ensure the availability and functionality of fire-detection and alarm systems, fire-suppression systems, hydrants, extinguishers and emergency exits.
Healthcare establishments are also required to maintain records showing that staff regularly undergo fire-safety training and evacuation drills.
Importantly, IHRA has said that simply having safety equipment installed will not be considered sufficient. Facilities must be able to demonstrate that the equipment is functional, properly maintained and periodically tested in accordance with the relevant Minimum Service Delivery Standards.
Seven-Day Compliance Deadline
The head of each healthcare establishment must sign the compliance report and submit it to IHRA along with supporting documents within seven working days of the circular’s issuance.
IHRA warned that information submitted by healthcare facilities would be subject to verification during inspections. Any deficiencies or non-compliance identified during these inspections may be dealt with under the applicable IHRA Act, rules, regulations and approved standards.
The authority described the directions as mandatory and time-bound, citing patient and staff safety, protection of property and emergency preparedness.
The circular comes amid heightened scrutiny of safety arrangements at hospitals in Islamabad following the recent PIMS incident. Separately, the federal health ministry has ordered comprehensive fire-safety audits of government hospitals, while recent reporting has highlighted shortcomings in safety arrangements at some capital hospitals.
IHRA’s broader regulatory mandate covers healthcare establishments across Islamabad, and its official framework includes facility management and safety among the areas governed by Minimum Service Delivery Standards.
