KP Chief Minister grieves over PIMS infant deaths, orders safety audit

PESHAWAR, Aug 26 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic deaths of newborn babies at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad.

In a statement, the Chief Minister termed the loss of innocent infants as “heart-wrenching and irreparable,” and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, saying he equally shares their grief in this hour of sorrow.

He called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, asserting that those found responsible for any negligence or lapse would be identified and held accountable.

He said the pain of the parents and families who lost their children was beyond any remedy, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant them patience and fortitude to bear this tragic loss.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister directed the health department to conduct a comprehensive review of safety arrangements at all hospitals across the province in the wake of the PIMS tragedy.

He ordered a reassessment of existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency response mechanisms to deal with any untoward incident or contingency in healthcare facilities.

Sohail Afridi further instructed the authorities to identify shortcomings and weaknesses in safety protocols at all hospitals and take immediate measures to address them.

He also directed that hospital staff be imparted regular training and practical drills to effectively handle emergency situations.

The Chief Minister said the health department must complete fire safety inspections of all public sector hospitals and submit a comprehensive report to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in this regard.

He made it clear that no negligence or laxity in safety arrangements at hospitals would be tolerated.