ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has temporarily started referring some serious gynaecological cases to Polyclinic and hospitals in Rawalpindi following a deadly fire in its gynaecology ward.
The fire on Wednesday killed 14 babies and caused extensive damage to the ward’s nursery. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal attributed the incident to a “blast in the air conditioner”.
The tragedy triggered widespread condemnation and prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to remove the federal health secretary as authorities launched an inquiry into the incident.
A senior Pims gynaecologist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hospital had not adopted a policy of refusing patients and continued to accept all cases.
However, she said the damage to the nursery meant that the facility would require time for renovation and repair.
“As the nursery has been burned and it will take some time to renovate and carry out repair work, it has been decided to refer very serious cases to other hospitals,” she said.
The doctor said Pims continued to handle serious deliveries despite the temporary arrangements.
She noted that three to four deliveries considered serious were conducted at the hospital on Thursday.
However, Pims was also mindful of the capacity of other hospitals and could not refer every gynaecological case elsewhere, she added.
The temporary referral arrangement is expected to remain in place until the damaged nursery is repaired and restored for use.