KP Moves to Overhaul Hospital Fire Safety After Major Review

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has decided to strengthen and improve fire safety arrangements across all government hospitals and healthcare facilities in the province.

A high-level meeting was held in Peshawar under the chairmanship of KP Health Secretary Fayyaz Ali Shah to review existing fire safety measures, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms in healthcare facilities. Officials from Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, PDMA, the Relief Department, medical superintendents and district health officers attended the meeting.

During the meeting, authorities stressed the need for effective fire safety measures to protect patients, attendants and healthcare workers during emergencies.

Health Secretary Fayyaz Ali Shah directed the formation of fire safety committees at divisional and district levels. These committees will conduct detailed inspections of hospitals and health centres and assess the existing safety arrangements.

The committees have been tasked with reviewing emergency exits, firefighting equipment, fire safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms. They will also identify shortcomings and recommend measures to improve preparedness against possible fire incidents.

The Health Department has directed that comprehensive inspection reports be submitted within one week, allowing the provincial authorities to identify facilities requiring immediate improvements.

The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination between Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, PDMA, the Health Department and hospital administrations. Officials agreed that better communication and coordination among the relevant departments would be essential for ensuring a rapid response during fire emergencies.

The review comes amid growing concerns over fire safety standards in healthcare facilities and the risks faced by vulnerable patients, particularly newborns and critically ill individuals.

The KP Health Department reiterated that ensuring a safe environment for patients, attendants and medical staff remains one of its top priorities. Authorities said necessary measures would be taken to improve compliance with fire safety standards and strengthen emergency preparedness across hospitals throughout the province.

The establishment of divisional and district-level committees is expected to provide a more systematic mechanism for monitoring fire safety arrangements and ensuring that identified shortcomings are addressed.