KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has directed all healthcare establishments (HCEs) across Sindh to ensure full compliance with prescribed fire safety, emergency preparedness and disaster readiness standards, warning that surprise inspections will be conducted to assess whether safety arrangements are actually functional.
The Commission said healthcare establishments had been issued directives from time to time regarding preparedness for fires, disasters and other emergencies. However, deficiencies in the implementation of required safety measures had been identified during previous inspections and monitoring visits.
In response, the SHCC has decided to conduct surprise inspection and monitoring visits across the province without prior notification to determine the actual level of compliance with prescribed safety standards.
During the inspections, SHCC teams will physically assess fire safety and emergency arrangements and examine relevant records and documentary evidence.
The records to be reviewed will include fire safety and emergency preparedness plans, internal safety audits and corrective-action records, mock fire and emergency drill records, staff training records, and documentation relating to regular testing and inspection of fire alarms, extinguishers and other safety equipment.
Inspection teams will also examine whether healthcare establishments have implemented recommendations and corrective measures identified during previous inspections, equipment testing and emergency drills.
The Commission stressed that fire and emergency safety arrangements must be functional in practice rather than merely existing on paper. Healthcare establishments have been directed to ensure that their staff are adequately trained and that emergency response and evacuation procedures are regularly rehearsed in accordance with the Sindh Service Delivery Standards.
The SHCC advised all healthcare establishments to immediately review their fire safety and emergency preparedness arrangements, conduct required self-audits and mock drills, update relevant records and rectify any deficiencies identified during the process.
The Commission reiterated that protecting patients, healthcare workers and visitors is a fundamental responsibility of every healthcare establishment.
It warned that healthcare facilities failing to comply with prescribed fire safety and emergency preparedness standards would face action in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.
