By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Emergency Services and Health Khawaja Salman Rafique visited Rescue Headquarters and reviewed fire safety arrangements in high-rise buildings and government hospitals across Punjab.

Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer briefed the meeting on existing fire safety measures and emergency preparedness.

Khawaja Salman Rafique directed relevant departments to immediately strengthen and improve fire safety arrangements in government hospitals across the province.

Speaking on the occasion, the provincial minister said that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, ensuring fire safety in government hospitals was among the top priorities of the provincial government.

He said all necessary measures were being taken on an urgent basis to further improve fire safety arrangements in hospitals and ensure an effective response to any emergency.

The minister said the suitability and accessibility of emergency exits in hospitals were being reviewed with the assistance of Rescue 1122. Hospital administrations had also been directed to conduct comprehensive safety checks of air-conditioning systems, electrical wiring and electro-medical equipment.

He added that Deputy Commissioners, Rescue 1122 and relevant departments had been instructed to make monthly emergency drills a regular practice in hospitals.

“Effective fire safety arrangements in hospitals are essential for protecting citizens, patients and medical staff,” the minister said.

Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer said Rescue 1122 was coordinating with relevant departments to improve fire safety and emergency response mechanisms in hospitals.

He stressed the importance of regularly inspecting fire hydrants, emergency exits and firefighting equipment and immediately identifying and rectifying any shortcomings.

Dr. Rizwan Naseer said regular mock emergency drills could ensure a timely and effective response and safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

The meeting was informed that fire safety surveys of 2,449 high-rise buildings and all government hospitals across Punjab had been completed.

The briefing also proposed the installation of fire hydrants near several important buildings and hospitals across the province.

The meeting reviewed in detail measures relating to fire safety in high-rise buildings and hospitals, emergency evacuation procedures, fire hydrants, fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency drills and the availability of trained staff.