The decision followed allegations that the federal health secretary repeatedly failed to personally inspect hospitals despite directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as an inquiry into the deaths of 14 children continues.
Secretary Removed After PIMS ICU Fire
The federal health secretary was removed from his position in the immediate aftermath of the tragic fire at the Children’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 children.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the decision was linked to the secretary’s alleged failure to comply with repeated directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to personally inspect major hospitals in Islamabad, particularly PIMS.
The source said the prime minister had repeatedly instructed the health secretary to visit hospitals and assess conditions on the ground, including the standard of medical treatment, availability of facilities and arrangements for patients.
PM Had Ordered Personal Inspection
The health secretary had reportedly been specifically directed to ensure the availability of modern equipment and electromedical devices at hospitals.
However, according to the source, the required inspections were not carried out. The prime minister had issued the same direction again just four days before the PIMS tragedy, but the secretary was unable to undertake the hospital visit.
Following the deaths of 14 children in the ICU fire, the prime minister immediately removed the federal health secretary from his position.
The removal, however, does not mean that responsibility for the incident has been fully determined. The causes of the fire and possible administrative or institutional failures are still under investigation.
Inquiry Committee to Determine Responsibility
An inquiry committee formed to investigate the PIMS incident is expected to submit its findings to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. As of Friday evening, the report had not yet been submitted.
The committee is expected to identify possible lapses and determine responsibility at different levels. Further action against officials or administrators may be taken after the findings are reviewed.
From Riyadh to Tehran and Ankara, Nations Stand with Pakistan After PIMS Tragedy
The incident has also raised questions about whether other senior officials could face consequences, including Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
According to a source, no decision has so far been taken regarding the minister. Any possible action would largely depend on the inquiry committee’s findings and whether it identifies responsibility on the part of the minister or other officials.
Pressure Grows on Health Minister
Following the deaths of the children, demands have emerged from various quarters for the health minister to resign. However, there is currently no confirmed decision or indication that Mustafa Kamal has been asked to step down.
The source noted that in cases involving serious administrative failures, immediate action against senior officials is often taken within the first 24 hours, while broader accountability is determined after a formal inquiry establishes the facts.
The PIMS tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about oversight at major public-sector hospitals and the condition of critical-care facilities. Questions are being raised over whether senior officials were adequately monitoring hospital infrastructure, safety standards and the availability of essential medical equipment.
For now, the removal of the federal health secretary represents the government’s most significant immediate response. However, the full scope of accountability will become clearer once the inquiry committee submits its report and the government determines who, if anyone, was responsible for the failures that preceded the tragedy.
