After PIMS tragedy, PMDC moves to train doctors for fires
News Desk
Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is considering making fire safety training a mandatory requirement for doctors, in a move aimed at improving emergency response capabilities inside hospitals following the PIMS tragedy.
Sources said PMDC President Professor Dr Rizwan Taj has decided in principle to introduce compulsory fire safety training for doctors, with the proposal currently being prepared for consideration by the council’s executive body.
Dr. Rizwan Taj has sought recommendations from PMDC members on the structure and implementation of the proposed training programme. The final decision will be taken after the executive body reviews the recommendations.
Under the proposed framework, doctors from medical officers to professors would be required to undergo fire safety training. The initiative would make basic emergency response skills part of medical professionals’ responsibilities rather than leaving fire-related emergencies entirely to hospital support and safety staff.
The plan would also extend to medical and dental education. Students would be required to complete fire safety training or a relevant course before completing their medical education.
Medical graduates could subsequently be awarded a fire safety certificate by the PMDC during their house job, while medical and dental colleges would be tasked with arranging fire safety training for students.
Once the proposal is finalised, the PMDC is expected to communicate the plan to the federal government, provincial authorities and relevant ministries.
Dr. Rizwan Taj said doctors’ primary responsibility is to save lives and argued that medical professionals must be equipped to respond effectively when emergencies occur within healthcare facilities.
He said fire safety training could reduce doctors’ reliance on support staff during emergencies and allow them to take immediate action when rapid intervention is required.
The proposed policy could bring a broader change to hospital safety standards by integrating fire preparedness into medical training and professional development.
It would also place greater emphasis on ensuring that doctors are equipped to protect patients and themselves during emergencies, particularly in situations where evacuation or immediate assistance is required.
