Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is his boss and will decide what he can say about the deadly fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Kamal made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside the hospital on Wednesday.
The fire broke out early Wednesday in the nursery of PIMS’ Mother and Child Health ward. Fourteen newborn babies died, while one baby was rescued. Officials said the nursery had 15 infants at the time. The fire reportedly started after an air conditioner compressor exploded, while oxygen supplies may have helped the flames spread quickly.
Kamal said he had presented himself for accountability and promised that anyone found responsible for negligence would face action. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation and suspended Health Secretary Aslam Ghori. A fact-finding committee is also examining the cause of the fire, fire-safety arrangements and the emergency response.
