The sole surviving infant from the deadly nursery fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has died after remaining in critical condition for weeks.
Hospital sources said the infant died late Wednesday night while receiving treatment at PIMS Children’s Hospital. The newborn had remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) on ventilator support due to complications caused by smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out on August 26 in the neonatal nursery of PIMS’ Mother and Child Hospital, where 15 newborns were present at the time. Fourteen infants died in the blaze, while one newborn was rescued alive.
The infant was rescued by nurse Razia Noreen, who entered the smoke-filled nursery during the emergency and brought the newborn to safety.
Noreen’s actions drew widespread praise across the country, with her courage receiving recognition from both the public and the government.
Speaking to The Washington Post, Noreen said her only concern at the time was saving the babies trapped inside the nursery. She said she managed to bring the newborn to safety within eight seconds and did not consider herself a hero, maintaining that she was simply fulfilling her duty as a nurse and a mother.
Her bravery was subsequently recognized at the national level. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the Sitara-i-Khidmat for Noreen and presented her with a Rs. 10 million cash award in recognition of her courage and dedication.
President Asif Ali Zardari also approved the conferment of the Tamgha-i-Shujaat on Noreen for risking her life to rescue the newborn from the fire.
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