Pakistan’s newly appointed Federal Health Secretary Mehmood Rai has taken a direct approach to hearing public concerns by setting up a complaint camp outside the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
The initiative follows the tragic nursery fire at the hospital in which 14 newborns reportedly lost their lives. The incident has led to increased public concern over hospital management, patient care and emergency preparedness.
The temporary camp has been arranged with fans, lighting and seating so that visitors can comfortably submit complaints and share their concerns with officials. Citizens can raise issues related to healthcare services and administrative matters directly at the facility.
Rai is also expected to visit the camp every day as part of his efforts to monitor the situation at PIMS. During these visits, he will review administrative operations and assess the condition of healthcare facilities while listening to complaints from patients and their families.
The move provides the public with a direct channel to communicate problems rather than relying only on formal complaint procedures within the hospital.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly nursery fire, including the hospital’s response and existing safety arrangements. The tragedy has also intensified calls for improvements in emergency systems and accountability.
The complaint camp could allow officials to identify problems being faced by patients and visitors while providing the health ministry with first-hand information about hospital services.
Mehmood Rai’s decision to personally hear grievances also signals a focus on closer administrative oversight at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals.
As investigations and reviews continue, the initiative is expected to help authorities understand public concerns and identify areas requiring immediate attention.
The camp will remain a point of contact for citizens seeking to report issues and raise concerns regarding PIMS services and administration.
