Karachi (HRNW): Serious concerns have emerged over fire safety arrangements at some of Karachi’s major public hospitals, with reports pointing to the absence of fire alarm systems, inactive fire extinguishers, inadequate fire drills and a lack of designated emergency evacuation routes.
According to available information, KMC’s Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has only 13 fire extinguishers. Hospital staff have reportedly not received regular fire drills or formal fire-safety training. The hospital is also reported to have no fire alarm system and no designated emergency evacuation route.
At Jinnah Hospital, fire extinguishers are reportedly available in the wards, but several are said to be non-functional. According to the information, the hospital’s last fire drill was conducted in 2017, while no fire alarm system has reportedly been installed.
Meanwhile, Civil Hospital reportedly has around 180 fire extinguishers installed across its various wards. However, available information suggests that its overall fire-safety arrangements also fall short of being considered ideal.
Human Rights Angle
HRNW believes that patients, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and medical staff can be particularly vulnerable during emergencies. The right to life and access to safe healthcare facilities are fundamental human-rights concerns.
Fire alarms, functional extinguishers, clearly marked emergency exits and regular fire-safety training are not merely administrative requirements—they are essential measures for protecting human life. Relevant authorities should conduct immediate fire-safety audits of major public hospitals and address identified deficiencies on a priority basis.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on available information. The figures and claims concerning fire-safety arrangements at individual hospitals should be verified through official records and the relevant authorities. HRNW will include the position of the concerned institutions if formally provided.
