DC Asks Hospitals To Strengthen Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
SWAT, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Aug, 2026)
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Saleem Jan Marwat, has directed authorities to conduct thorough inspections of all public and private hospitals and medical centres in the district to ensure robust fire safety, emergency preparedness, and protection of patients and medical staff.
He issued these directives during a meeting chaired to review provincial government instructions following the recent tragic incident at PIMS Islamabad. The meeting focused on:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Firefighting equipment
- Electrical wiring and installations
- Oxygen and medical gas systems
- Emergency exits
- Preparedness of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Intensive Care Units (ICU)
- Backup power
- Staff training
- Emergency response mechanisms
- Mock drills
The deputy commissioner ordered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission to inspect all private hospitals within two days and the Health Department to complete inspections of public hospitals and government-run healthcare facilities by the same timeframe.
He emphasized that inspections should go beyond paperwork, demanding immediate corrective actions for any safety deficiencies, especially those posing direct risks to human lives.
Specific directives included:
- Keeping firefighting equipment fully operational
- Removing unsafe electrical wiring and other hazards
- Ensuring emergency exits remain accessible at all times
- Implementing proper safety measures for oxygen cylinders and medical gas systems
Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence were tasked with providing technical support to hospitals on fire safety, evacuation procedures, and mock drills.
The District Health Officer has developed a contingency plan for effective coordination among relevant departments and prompt responses during emergencies.
Marwat stressed the importance of patient safety and directed all concerned parties to prioritize it continuously, threatening serious consequences for any recurring safety lapses.
