RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has formed a technical task force which will visit hospitals and ensure that all safety and precautionary measures are fully implemented.
A detailed inspection of electrical equipment, wiring and other electrical systems in hospitals should be carried out and a monthly report should be sent to the health department, said Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.
He was chairing a meeting at the commissioner office here on Thursday. Secretary Specialised Healthcare Azmat Mahmood and divisional commissioners across the province participated in the meeting through video link. It was decided to form a technical task force to check all the government hospitals in the province.
The minister reviewed the fire safety and emergency response measures in hospitals. He warned that stern action would be taken against those who failed to implement the directives of the government for the safety of patients.
He said that fire and electrical safety measures are being ensured in hospitals at all costs. He said that protection of lives of patients and hospital staff is the top priority and no negligence will be tolerated for this purpose. The minister said that a clear timeline would be set for the provision of medical and emergency equipment in hospitals.
He asked Rescue 1122 to immediately provide regular training to staff in all hospitals to deal with emergency situations, “From senior officials to employees at all levels, everyone must receive emergency response and fire safety training. An effective accountability system should be created by clearly defining the responsibilities of staff in hospitals,” he said.
A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted in cases of negligence, carelessness and irresponsibility. Action will be taken against any officer or employee who does not fulfill their responsibility as per law and rules, he said.
“Rescue 1122 teams should coordinate with all hospitals to ensure a comprehensive emergency plan for each hospital, identification of hazards and availability of necessary safety equipment can be made,” he said. The minister asked the hospital administrations to take effective decisions to deal with administrative matters and emergencies within its jurisdiction.
Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said that steps are being taken to improve the institutional framework of all hospitals. He said that fire alarm and fire detection systems are being installed on an emergency basis in hospitals across Punjab.
The secretary directed the Chief Executive Officers, Medical Superintendents and Deputy Medical Superintendents of all hospitals to prepare evacuation and emergency response plans within the next 24 hours with the cooperation of Rescue 1122.
“A responsible emergency response officer and fire warden should be appointed in each ward who is responsible for immediate action in any emergency situation,” he said.
Moreover, emergency training, mock exercises and testing of safety equipment should be updated immediately in all hospitals.
It was decided in the meeting that all hospitals will complete the testing of fire safety and emergency equipment and submit the audit reports soon. A construction and safety audit will also be completed by surveying the buildings with the teams of the Department of Communications and works department.
The divisional and district administration, the Health Department, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, the Department of Communications and Construction and other relevant institutions should identify and timely remedy all possible hazards in hospitals.
Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026
