LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 29th Aug, 2026) Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Saturday said that fire safety and electrical safety measures would be ensured in hospitals at all costs, stressing that the protection of life and property of patients and hospital staff was the government’s top priority.
He said that no negligence, carelessness or irresponsibility would be tolerated in implementing safety measures.
The provincial health minister expressed these views while chairing a meeting at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical education Department regarding effective measures to prevent fire incidents in government teaching hospitals.
The meeting carried out a detailed review of fire safety arrangements and emergency response mechanisms in hospitals across Punjab.
Directing strict action against negligence and omissions, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Rescue 1122 was providing regular training to hospital staff to deal with emergency situations. He stressed that every individual, from senior officers to employees at all levels, must receive proper emergency response and fire safety training.
He said an effective accountability system was being developed by clearly defining the responsibilities of staff in hospitals. A zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against negligence, carelessness and irresponsibility, he added.
The minister said that action would be taken under the law and rules against any officer or employee found failing to fulfill his or her assigned responsibilities.
He directed that Rescue 1122 teams should maintain close coordination with all hospitals to ensure comprehensive emergency plans, identification of potential hazards and availability of necessary safety equipment at every healthcare facility.
He also emphasised that hospital administrations must ensure effective arrangements for dealing with administrative matters and emergency situations within their respective jurisdictions.
Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said that steps were being taken to strengthen the institutional framework of all hospitals through a comprehensive review of existing systems.
He said the installation of fire alarms and fire detection systems was being ensured on an emergency basis in hospitals across Punjab. Detailed inspections of electrical equipment, wiring and other electrical systems were also being conducted to identify and eliminate potential hazards.
Azmat Mahmood said that a provincial-level task force had been formed to visit hospitals and ensure the full implementation of all safety and precautionary measures.
He directed Chief Executive Officers, Medical Superintendents and Deputy Medical Superintendents of all hospitals to prepare evacuation and emergency response plans within the next 24 hours in collaboration with Rescue 1122.
The secretary said responsible safety officers had been appointed in every ward to ensure immediate response in case of an emergency. Emergency training, mock exercises and testing of safety equipment were also being updated immediately in hospitals.
Highlighting the need for the safe use of oxygen, he said the use of oximeters should be ensured to minimise unnecessary dependence on oxygen cylinders and reduce potential fire hazards.
He further said that, in coordination with the Communications and Works Department teams, construction and safety audits of hospital buildings were also being completed through detailed surveys.
The health secretary stressed the need for coordinated efforts among divisional and district administrations, health departments, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Communications and Works Department and other relevant agencies to identify and promptly address all potential hazards in hospitals.
Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer and CEO Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) Captain (Retired) Shah Mir Iqbal attended the meeting through video link.
All divisional commissioners, vice chancellors, executive directors, medical superintendents and other concerned officers also attended the meeting.
