By Abdul Ghani

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is set to revamp its existing disaster management arrangements and introduce a tested emergency notification and incident-command mechanism, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The development comes as the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has recommended strengthening PIMS's safety and emergency-response arrangements.

According to the document, PIMS has constituted a committee to review the existing disaster management plan (DMP) and develop arrangements under specified terms of reference.

A key proposed measure is establishing a tested emergency notification and incident-command protocol under which fire detection would trigger simultaneous internal alarms, mobilisation of designated responders, and direct notification to CES/Rescue 1122.

The proposed mechanism is intended to reduce dependence on informal communication through multiple administrative layers and ensure that the relevant emergency response is activated without delay.

PIMS has also forwarded the corrective measures to senior officials for implementation. The plan forms part of a broader institutional effort to improve preparedness and strengthen coordinated responses to emergencies across the hospital's various facilities.

The institute is also considering comprehensive fire & life safety and electrical audits, particularly in high-risk clinical areas, including NICUs, nurseries, ICUs and operating theatres.

PIMS has also constituted internal fire audit committees for several major facilities, including the Islamabad Hospital and Cardiac Centre, Children's Hospital, MCH/JICA Extension, BCC & FBCSC and CMT/SON/CON.

The document says that there are plans for monthly fire-safety training and evacuation drills for staff, with fire-training instructors tasked with imparting firefighting and fire-safety training.

These measures aim to create a more structured, tested and coordinated emergency-response framework at PIMS, with particular emphasis on early notification, rapid mobilisation and coordination with external emergency responders.

Credit: INP-WealthPk