New PIMS team takes charge amid probe into 14 newborns die in fire

Seven newly appointed officers have taken charge of their positions at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad following the deaths of 14 newborns in a nursery fire, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

According to the report, Professor Nuzhat Yasmin has assumed charge as joint executive director of the PIMS Children's Hospital, while Dr Shumaila has taken charge as head of the gynaecology department.

Dr Rehmana Waris has assumed charge as associate professor of paediatrics, while Dr Amina has taken charge as senior registrar in the gynaecology department. Hassan Ashraf has assumed charge as assistant director of security at PIMS.

The Ministry of Health had removed eight officials from their positions following the PIMS tragedy and assigned temporary responsibilities to seven doctors and officers.

Earlier, Professor Dr Rana Imran Iskandar was suspended as PIMS executive director for four months and replaced by Dr Muhammad Salman of the National Institutes of Health. Dr Salman was appointed for three years and was also given additional charge as chief executive officer of the NIH.

Dr Altaf Hussain was given additional charge as joint executive director for non-medical matters, while Professor Nuzhat Yasmin was assigned additional charge as joint executive director of the Children's Hospital. Dr Shumaila was appointed professor and head of gynaecology.

The changes followed an 11-page initial inquiry report into the deaths of 14 newborns in the PIMS nursery fire. The report identified serious weaknesses in emergency response, fire safety, evacuation and notification systems.

The report said supervisory staff were not present at the scene when the fire occurred. It also found that PIMS lacked proper standard operating procedures and training for dealing with emergencies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the recommendations of the inquiry committee and ordered action against officials found responsible. Six PIMS officers and two officials of the Capital Development Authority were ordered to face suspension and departmental proceedings.

Dr Sadia Riaz, head of neonatology, and Dr Nagham, a senior registrar, were suspended. Departmental action was also ordered against Dr Mutahir Shah, joint executive director for maternal and child health.

Joint Executive Director for Non-Medical Affairs Chaudhry Waris Ali Raza and Director of Maternal and Child Health Dr Nosheela Amjad were also ordered to face suspension.

Among the Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials, Dr Abdul Rehman, director general of the relevant emergency services, was suspended, while departmental action was started against Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman.

The inquiry committee also recommended criminal proceedings against those found responsible for the nursery fire. The report identified serious problems with PIMS's emergency fire safety, evacuation and notification systems.

The latest appointments form part of wider changes at PIMS as disciplinary action and further investigations continue following the nursery fire.

Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk