CM Punjab orders emergency safety audits, fire system upgrades across public hospitals

RAWALPINDI, Aug 27 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has issued top-priority directives ordering immediate safety audits, infrastructure upgrades, and regular mock drills across public-sector hospitals and facilities throughout the province.

Under the directive, all Deputy Commissioners across Punjab have been instructed to conduct an immediate stocktaking of fire extinguishers, firefighting equipment, and emergency exit accessibility at public-sector hospitals and facilities throughout the province in coordination with Rescue 1122.

The Secretary Implementation & Coordination (I&C), S&GAD, has been directed to submit a consolidated provincial assessment report to the Chief Minister.

To improve emergency response mechanisms, Rescue 1122, along with the local health, housing, and local government departments, will audit hydrant points and install new units where required within seven days under the direct supervision of the Commissioners. Additionally, the provincial health secretaries have been given a three-day deadline to inspect electrical wiring, air-conditioning units, and electro-medical equipment at public-sector hospitals and facilities throughout the province to prevent fire hazards.

The provincial government has also mandated monthly emergency mock drills as a permanent feature across public sector hospitals and facilities throughout the province to maintain operational readiness.

Furthermore, both health secretaries, along with the Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP), have been tasked with submitting a feasibility report within one week to install technology-driven fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, and automated water sprinklers in intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal nurseries, and emergency wards in public sector hospitals and facilities throughout the province.