PESHAWAR: Health Care Commission (HCC) and District Civil Defence teams conducted detailed inspections of MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, to assess fire safety arrangements, emergency preparedness, disaster response measures and evacuation procedures for patients, attendants and hospital staff.
The HCC team, comprising Sajjad Khan and Asad Ullah, conducted a surprise inspection covering several critical and patient-care areas, including the Nursery, Surgical OT, Gynecology OT, ICUs, Pediatrics and Gynecology wards, Emergency Department, Ortho Block, Spine Block and CRC Block.
Fire Safety Arrangements Reviewed
The HCC officials examined the availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers, their placement, designated fire exits, emergency exits and evacuation routes.
The team also spoke with hospital staff to assess their awareness of fire safety procedures, evacuation methods and appropriate responses to fire or other emergencies.
After reviewing the fire safety checklist, the inspection team identified some shortcomings and areas requiring improvement. Concerned staff and Facility Management were directed to address the identified gaps on a priority basis and ensure compliance with required fire safety standards and procedures.
The Facility Management welcomed the recommendations and assured the team that corrective measures would be implemented.
Civil Defence Team Reviews Emergency Preparedness
A District Civil Defence team also visited HMC to assess disaster response, emergency preparedness and fire prevention measures.
Manager Facilities Iftikhar ud Din, along with HMC Safety Team Supervisors Aftab Khan, Kausar Nadeem and Bilal Khan, received the team and briefed officials on the hospital’s safety initiatives.
The briefing covered staff training, mock emergency drills, newly installed and existing fire extinguishers, the construction and installation of emergency exit doors, and safety and directional signage across the hospital.
The Civil Defence team subsequently visited different wards, units and departments to review safety arrangements in practice.
HMC Assures Further Safety Improvements
The inspection team appreciated preparations by the HMC Safety Team, particularly staff training and regular emergency drills, while also identifying areas where additional improvements were required.
The hospital administration assured officials that corrective measures would be taken to address the identified gaps and further strengthen fire prevention, emergency preparedness, staff training and evacuation mechanisms.
HMC administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for patients, attendants and employees and to continuously improving emergency and fire safety systems across the facility.