PIMS refers serious cases after deadly nursery fire

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has begun temporarily referring serious gynaecological cases to Polyclinic and hospitals in Rawalpindi following the deadly fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborns.

Seven gynaecological patients and a child were shifted from PIMS to Holy Family Hospital (HFH), where officials said there was no overcrowding in the gynaecology and paediatrics wards. HFH has prepared a special ward and assigned additional staff to manage patients referred from PIMS.

PIMS officials said serious cases were being referred because the nursery was damaged in the fire and will require time for renovation and repairs. The hospital is continuing to handle other cases to avoid overwhelming neighboring facilities.

Meanwhile, Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) has established a special desk to receive patients from PIMS and said it is prepared to handle emergency cases. Hospital authorities also reported that firefighting equipment had been checked and was functional.