In a recent performance audit, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) could not meet nearly 60 percent of the metrics and managed to achieve only 39.7 percent compliance against the acceptable threshold of 90 percent.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed authorities to take short-term measures to address PIMS within three months. Improvements include enhancing the hospital’s fire safety system and improving other operational areas.
The prime minister has ordered officials to upgrade PIMS to international standards. He also advised the officials to seek expert assistance and recommendations from Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) for enhancing the fire safety precautions in the hospital.
The meeting was also briefed on suggestions contained in a World Health Organization (WHO) report, with the prime minister directing relevant authorities for their implementation.
The improvement plan will also examine the availability of medicines and methods to ensure that hospital amenities are offered totally free of cost.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also urged the administrators to hire people of good repute at PIMS and formulate a comprehensive long-term plan for the betterment of the hospital.
Meanwhile, the prime minister has ordered an assessment of Polyclinic Hospital to find inconsistencies, remediate concerns and formulate a restructuring plan.
He also instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure fire safety standards in all public and private hospitals in Islamabad.
The CDA and other concerned agencies have been directed to examine public and private offices and buildings in the capital for fire safety and ensure all safety measures are in place.
