The Pakistan government announced plans to grant greater financial and administrative autonomy to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal revealed the proposal during a press briefing in Islamabad. The reforms include appointing a chief executive officer to oversee hospital operations.
The decision follows a deadly fire at PIMS on August 26 that killed 14 newborn babies. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and led to multiple investigations into hospital safety and emergency response protocols. The government faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the crisis and subsequent reforms.
The fire occurred in the hospital’s nursery, highlighting systemic issues in healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The government has pledged to improve safety standards and accountability within public hospitals. The reforms aim to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter oversight of medical facilities across the country. Activists and lawmakers have demanded urgent action to prevent similar tragedies. The government’s response has been seen as a step toward addressing long-standing concerns about hospital management.
The reforms are part of broader efforts to modernize public healthcare services. However, critics argue that structural changes alone may not be enough to ensure patient safety. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in balancing administrative control with clinical responsibility in public hospitals.
