Minister vows to implement PIMS tragedy inquiry findings; ready for ‘greater sacrifice’

WEB DESK: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has vowed to implement all findings and recommendations of the inquiry into the deaths of 14 newborn babies at PIMS, saying he is ready to make an even greater sacrifice over the tragedy.

Speaking on the Hum Dekhen Ge programme on HUM News, Kamal said the high-level committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was investigating the causes of the fire and would determine all shortcomings and lapses. 

He said all findings and recommendations of the inquiry would be fully implemented, stressing that the deaths of 14 newborns could not be addressed merely by suspending a secretary or removing a bureaucrat. Earlier, Health Secretary Aslam Ghori was suspended, while Housing Secretary Captain (retd) Muhammad Mahmood was assigned the additional charge of health secretary.

Kamal said he had voluntarily presented himself before the prime minister and the inquiry committee for accountability.

“If accountability is to be held over the deaths of 14 children, it should begin with me,” he said, adding that if any negligence was found on his part, he would also have to answer for it.

The minister said the overall responsibility of the Ministry of National Health Services rested with him, although every technical detail, including the wiring and fire safety arrangements of individual hospitals, was not his direct responsibility.

He said he was not concerned about his position or ministry, as the lives of the 14 newborns were more important.

Kamal also expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, saying he fully understood their pain and apologising to them over the tragedy.

Giving details of the fire safety situation, he said the building did not have a sprinkler system, while 22 of the 36 fire extinguishers were used to put out the blaze.

He said investigations into the fire safety arrangements and shortcomings at the scene were still under way, while the inquiry committee would determine the causes of the fire and all related lapses.

Asked about his possible resignation, Kamal said he had an answer but could not disclose it at present. He said the matter would become clear within a week or 10 days and urged people not to speculate about his future.

The minister said the investigation and his personal situation should be treated separately, adding that the inquiry report could be completed within two or three days.

Kamal reiterated that he would abide by the prime minister’s instructions and was prepared to make an even greater sacrifice if required.