THE deadly fire at Karachi’s Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, which killed a paramedic and left six others with severe burns, has once again brought to the forefront the precarious state of fire safety measures in Sindh’s healthcare facilities. This tragedy brings to mind the 2020 incident at the National Institute of Child Health, where a new-born died in a fire after it been left unattended in an incubator. The Liaquatabad hospital fire, which was caused due to a short circuit, is symptomatic of a lackadaisical attitude towards basic safety protocols, including the absence of essential firefighting equipment. Even if the equipment had been available, an official admitted that staffers would not know how to use it. To make matters worse, rescue workers’ access to the hospital was impeded due to a weekly bird market nearby.

The multi-level failure begs the question: how many precious lives must be lost before the Sindh government overhauls fire safety protocols? All healthcare facilities must be equipped with necessary firefighting apparatus and staff must be trained to respond effectively to emergencies. This includes conducting regular safety drills, establishing clear and unobstructed evacuation routes, and fostering coordination with local authorities to ensure that emergency services can access sites without delay. Moreover, the recurring nature of these incidents necessitates a re-evaluation of the existing inquiry processes. While it is crucial to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for lapses in safety, it is equally important to implement the recommendations arising from such inquiries to prevent future tragedies. As we mourn the loss of life and the suffering caused by the hospital fire, it is hoped it spurs immediate action. Ensuring the safety of healthcare facilities in Sindh is not only about preventing fires but also about creating an environment where emergency responses are swift, unimpeded, and effective. It is time for decisive measures to protect the lives of those who seek care and those who provide it.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2024