Karachi: (RightNow) Serious fire safety deficiencies have been identified at the National Institute of Child Health’s Neonatal ICU. According to the fire safety audit report, the hospital’s fourth, fifth, and sixth floors are deemed extremely dangerous.

The audit revealed that electrical and oxygen points are installed too close in the Neonatal ICU. There is leakage in the oxygen line, and tape is used on pipe joints as a temporary fix.

The report states that the hospital’s fire alarm system is inactive, and most smoke detectors are not functioning. Staff are not trained to handle fire emergencies, and regular fire drills are not conducted.

Emergency exits are blocked by equipment and waste, public access to the power room is unrestricted, and the Neonatal ICU’s mechanical ventilation system is also non-functional.

It is important to note that the fire safety audit recommends securing the electrical, oxygen, and ventilation systems, and activating the fire alarm and smoke detection systems.