Pims Compensation: Govt Announces Rs5 Million for Infant Deaths

Islamabad – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The federal government has announced Pims compensation of Rs5 million for the family of each infant who lost their life in the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

The announcement came a day after a devastating blaze broke out in the hospital’s newborn care unit, leaving the entire nation in shock and grief.

Officials said the government shares equally in the pain of the affected families. They promised every possible support during this difficult time.

In its statement, the government admitted something painful but true. No amount of money can ever bring back a lost child.

Still, officials said the compensation is meant to ease some of the hardship these grieving parents now face.

The fire broke out early Wednesday morning, around 6:45 am, in the Mother and Child Health ward on the third floor of the hospital.

At the time, fifteen newborns were inside the nursery. Sadly, only one baby could be rescued alive.

Rescue teams believe an air conditioner compressor exploded inside the unit, sparking the fire. However, hospital officials gave a slightly different account.

According to the hospital’s initial report, a nebuliser device near an incubator exploded first. Video footage later showed flames coming from an air conditioner unit nearby.

The fire reportedly caused oxygen to ignite, and smoke traveled through breathing pipes connected to the infants. Many of the babies died after their oxygen supply had to be cut off, while others suffered severe burns.

Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif quickly formed a four-member committee to investigate what really happened.

The committee has been given 48 hours to submit an interim report on the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that the initial findings would be shared soon.

He explained that the investigation team is completely independent and working to uncover the truth.

Tarar also stressed one important point. No compensation can replace a human life, but finding out who is responsible truly matters.

He shared that the committee is closely reviewing hospital footage. They want to know if there was enough time to safely remove babies from oxygen support before the fire worsened.

The minister chose his words carefully, saying these are technical matters that shouldn’t be judged too early.

He also mentioned that Health Minister Mustafa Kamal came forward for accountability just a day after the tragedy occurred.

Sources close to the investigation revealed more details about the process. The committee has already collected written statements from senior Pims officials, including the Joint Executive Director.

Nursery staff members have also been questioned, and their statements have been documented.

Investigators secured CCTV footage from inside the nursery. They are now comparing this footage with the hospital’s official explanation of events.

The duty roster from August 26 was also handed over to the committee for review.

Reports from both the fire brigade and hospital emergency department have been added to the investigation file.

According to sources, the committee plans to submit its complete findings to the Prime Minister within the 48-hour deadline.

As the nation mourns this heartbreaking loss, families continue to wait for answers, along with the support the government has promised.