Fire extinguishers are reportedly faulty and staff have not received fire safety training or drills in years, sources say.
WEB DESK: Fire safety concerns have emerged at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi, where emergency exits are reportedly closed and several fire extinguishers are said to be faulty.
Sources said the hospital, one of the largest government-run children’s healthcare facilities in Pakistan, has also not conducted regular testing and monitoring of fire extinguishers for a prolonged period.
According to sources, the hospital does not have an effective fire alarm system. They further claimed that doctors, nurses and other staff members have not received fire safety drills or training during the past 10 years.
Two Major Fire Incidents Reported
Sources said NICH has witnessed two major fire incidents during the past six years, raising further concerns about the hospital’s preparedness to respond to emergencies.
The reported lack of regular fire safety training and drills could pose additional challenges for hospital staff in the event of a fire, particularly in a facility treating children and critically ill patients.
Why Are Emergency Exits Closed?
NICH Director Dr Nasir Siddal acknowledged that the hospital’s emergency exits have been kept closed.
He said the exits were closed for security reasons following several incidents of theft at the hospital. According to the director, staff members have keys to the emergency exit doors.
The director also said that staff would be responsible in the event of an untoward incident.
Hospital Says Fire Extinguishers Are Available
Dr Siddal said fire extinguishers are available at the hospital but acknowledged that staff members have not received fire-fighting training.
He said the matter was being discussed in meetings and indicated that steps were being considered regarding staff training.
The statements come amid wider concerns about whether the hospital’s existing fire safety arrangements are sufficient to protect patients, attendants and staff during an emergency.
