According to sources, fire and life safety arrangements were found to be inadequate at 48 government and private hospitals and medical centres in Islamabad. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has imposed total fines of Rs140.5 million on all 48 institutions.
According to sources, notices and challans were issued to various hospitals and medical centres on August 30 and 31. Fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000 were imposed for violations of fire safety regulations.
PIMS, Polyclinic Hospital and Capital Hospital were each fined Rs500,000, while another prominent Islamabad hospital was also fined Rs500,000.
The CDA had previously issued multiple notices to these hospitals directing them to improve their fire safety arrangements. PIMS had received six notices, Polyclinic seven, Capital Hospital six, and the prominent hospital nine notices.
Sources said serious shortcomings were found in fire detection systems, alarms, emergency exits and firefighting systems at various hospitals.
The CDA has directed hospitals and medical centres to strictly comply with prescribed fire and life safety standards.
According to sources, the CDA has decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward fire safety violations and has warned that further action will be taken against institutions that fail to improve their safety arrangements.
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