PTI Demands Health Minister’s Resignation After PIMS Nursery Tragedy
Opposition party calls for an independent investigation into the PIMS nursery incident, demanding accountability of hospital officials and the resignation of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the resignation of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and legal action against officials found responsible following the devastating nursery incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where authorities have confirmed the deaths of 14 newborn babies.
PTI Calls Incident a Serious Administrative Failure
The incident occurred early Wednesday on the third floor of PIMS’ Maternal and Child Health facility. Official and multiple media reports confirm that 14 newborns lost their lives, while at least one baby was rescued. The Islamabad administration said six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participated in the emergency response.
In a statement issued by its Central Media Department, PTI described the incident as a serious failure of hospital safety and administration and alleged that government negligence contributed to the tragedy.
Resignation of Health Minister Demanded
The party demanded that Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal accept what it described as the “moral and administrative responsibility” for the incident and resign.
PTI further called for officials whose negligence or failure may be established through investigation to face legal proceedings.
PTI Seeks Transparent Investigation
PTI said authorities should conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the precise cause of the incident, determine whether adequate fire-safety arrangements were operational, examine emergency-response procedures and establish when the facility was last subjected to a safety inspection.
The party also demanded government assistance for affected families and said complete information regarding patients should be provided to their parents.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Established
The cause of the incident should not yet be presented as conclusively established. Initial accounts have differed: PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil earlier said the blaze appeared to have resulted from a short circuit, while other reports citing rescue sources pointed to an air-conditioning compressor.
A formal investigation has been ordered to establish the circumstances.
Government Orders Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation and directed authorities to identify those responsible and take strict action.
President Asif Ali Zardari has similarly called for accountability and stronger hospital fire-safety and emergency protocols.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has also confirmed the loss of newborns, while authorities have announced a fact-finding investigation into the cause, safety arrangements and emergency response.
PTI Calls for Accountability
The PTI statement maintained that forming an inquiry committee alone would not be sufficient and called for accountability if negligence or misconduct is established.
