Serious fire safety shortcomings have been identified at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), with the hospital’s fourth, fifth, and sixth floors declared highly vulnerable to fire hazards.
The findings were highlighted in a fire safety audit conducted by the assistant commissioner of Saddar sub-division, which identified major deficiencies across several parts of the hospital, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
According to the audit report, electrical and oxygen points in the NICU have been installed extremely close to each other, creating a serious safety risk. The report also found leakage in the oxygen line, with tape being used as a temporary measure to seal pipe joints.
Exposed and unsafe electrical wiring was also identified, while the NICU’s mechanical ventilation system was found to be non-functional. Temporary and exposed wiring connected to old air-conditioning units was also observed.
The audit further revealed that the hospital’s fire alarm system was not functioning and that most smoke detectors were also out of order. The number of fire extinguishers available at NICH was found to be inadequate.
Staff preparedness was another major concern, as the report noted that hospital employees had not received adequate training to respond to fire emergencies and that regular fire drills were not being conducted.
Emergency exits were also found blocked by equipment and waste, which could create serious problems during an evacuation. The report also raised concerns over unrestricted public access to the power room, where smoke detectors and adequate firefighting arrangements were missing.
The audit referred to previous fire incidents at the hospital, noting that a fire broke out in the ICU on June 30. It also mentioned a January 2020 incident in which a newborn died after a fire broke out in an incubator.
Despite these incidents, the report said comprehensive fire safety arrangements had still not been completed at the hospital.
The audit recommended immediate action to ensure the safety of electrical, oxygen, and ventilation systems, restore the fire alarm and smoke detection systems, clear all emergency exits, and conduct regular fire drills for hospital staff.
It also stressed the need for comprehensive and effective fire safety arrangements to be put in place across NICH without delay.
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