Pims Names New Executive Director; Pledges Steps to Stop Infant Fire Tragedy

The newly appointed executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad has vowed to implement measures preventing a repeat of the August 26 tragedy that killed 14 infants in the hospital’s gynaecology ward. Dr Muhammad Salman, who also serves as CEO of the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, assumed charge on Sunday and told reporters the administration would act on findings from the inquiry committee probing the incident.

The disaster occurred when a fire broke out in the nursery where 15 newborns were receiving care; only one infant survived. Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori was suspended shortly after the blaze. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review on Saturday and received the committee’s interim report. Eight officials, including former Pims Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, were immediately suspended and face disciplinary action.

Dr Salman, speaking on his first day, outlined steps to improve patient safety and service quality at Pims. “We are making efforts; we will have to provide better and faster services,” he said. With Pims handling a heavy patient load, he emphasized the need for expanded healthcare capacity and additional facilities for the large number of visitors. He also indicated the administration would coordinate with the health ministry to secure improved resources.

The government placed Dr Salman at Pims on deputation for three years, according to state media. His appointment follows the suspension of multiple officials and the prime minister’s orders to hold those responsible to account without delay.

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