PIMS Fire hero nurse Razia Noreen has been approved for the Sitara-e-Khidmat award and a cash prize of Rs10 million for saving a newborn during the hospital blaze, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the recognition during a meeting held to review the interim report of the investigation committee into the incident.
The prime minister praised Nurse Razia Noreen for risking her life to rescue a newborn during the fire. According to the official statement, she ran to save the child moments before the situation became more dangerous.
🏥 PIMS Fire Nurse Receives National Recognition
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the Sitara-e-Khidmat award for Nurse Razia Noreen in recognition of her actions during the PIMS fire.
The prime minister also approved a cash reward of Rs10 million for the nurse. The decision was taken during a meeting focused on the interim findings of the investigation committee formed after the hospital fire.
According to the statement, Razia Noreen showed a strong sense of responsibility during the incident and acted to protect a newborn despite the danger created by the fire.
The recognition is intended to acknowledge her actions while carrying out her duties at the hospital.
❤️ Nurse Risked Her Life to Save Newborn
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Nurse Razia Noreen ran to save a newborn shortly before the fire caused further destruction.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised her conduct and said she demonstrated exceptional responsibility and bravery. He said the nurse placed her own life at risk to save the life of the child.
The prime minister added that the nation was proud of Razia Noreen for her actions. He also said that people who demonstrate such dedication to their duties deserve the highest possible appreciation.
The incident has therefore highlighted the role played by the nurse during the emergency and led to the approval of the national award and financial reward.
🔎 Investigation Committee Reports Safety Violations
The investigation committee’s interim report also identified several shortcomings at the hospital.
According to the report, violations of relevant World Health Organization rules were found in the neonatal ward at PIMS. The committee also reported that there was no officer specifically available at the hospital to deal with emergencies such as fires.
The report said an assistant director had been given additional responsibility in this area.
The findings were presented during the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where decisions were also taken regarding several hospital and emergency management officials.
⚠️ No Detailed Fire Emergency SOPs or Training
The investigation committee found that PIMS did not have detailed standard operating procedures or training specifically covering fire incidents and emergency situations, according to the interim report.
The report stated that PIMS had 13 SOPs, but references to fire or emergency situations were found in only two subsections.
The committee also reported that supervisory staff were not present on duty when the incident occurred.
These findings formed part of the interim assessment presented to the prime minister during the review meeting.
🏛️ Officials Suspended After PIMS Fire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also approved the immediate suspension and action against several officials following the incident.
Those named in the decision included PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Matahir Shah and Chaudhry Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Professor Dr Saadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheela Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, and CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman.
The decision followed the findings presented in the interim investigation report.
The prime minister also directed that replacements for the officials removed from their positions should be appointed immediately and together.
👨⚕️ Acting Executive Director Appointed
The prime minister directed that NIH Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Salman be appointed as the acting executive director of PIMS.
The appointment is part of the administrative measures announced following the investigation into the hospital fire.
The prime minister also instructed the relevant authorities to make immediate appointments in place of officials who were removed from their posts.
The decisions were announced alongside the recognition of Nurse Razia Noreen and the review of the investigation committee’s interim findings.
📋 Interim Findings Highlight Emergency Preparedness
The investigation report placed particular emphasis on emergency preparedness at the hospital.
According to the committee, the absence of detailed fire and emergency SOPs and the lack of related training were among the issues identified during the initial investigation. The report also noted that supervisory staff were not present during the incident.
The findings regarding the neonatal ward were also included in the interim report. The committee said violations of relevant WHO rules were found there.
Meanwhile, the prime minister’s decision to honor Nurse Razia Noreen was based on her actions during the same emergency. She was recognized for putting herself at risk to save a newborn.
The PIMS Fire investigation remains connected to both the recognition of the nurse and the administrative actions announced after the interim report was reviewed. The decisions announced by the prime minister cover the award, financial reward, suspensions, and changes in hospital leadership.
The government has also directed that new officials be appointed immediately to replace those removed from their positions. The interim report’s findings concerning emergency procedures, training, staffing, and the neonatal ward were presented as part of the review of the incident.