DADU: Twenty patients suffered serious burns when a fire broke out at a private hospital, City Medical Centre, after explosion of a gas cylinder, engulfing the entire building within minutes here on Sunday.

Many patients jumped out the windows to save their lives and some were rescued by firefighters and volunteers.

By the time fire tenders managed to control the blaze after three hours, it had reduced to ashes all furniture, medicines, instrument and fixtures worth more than Rs3 million.

Most of the injured were pregnant women who were admitted to the hospital for delivery or had visited the facility for regular checkup. They were admitted to Dadu Civil Hospital.

Of them 11 were in serious condition who were identified as Ms Amanat, Ms Hameeda, Ms Naseeban, Ms Shahnaz, Ms Raheeman, Shahnawaz, Mohammad Juman, Ghulam Abbas and two newborn babies of Shahnawaz Chandio.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Talib Hussain said that three patients including two newborn babies of Shahnawaz and Ms Aminat who were in serious condition had been referred to burns ward of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences.

Civil Surgeon Dr Insaf Magsi said that almost all private medical centres operating in the city, including the City Medical Center, were unregistered. He demanded the district administration should take stern action against all such medical centers.

District Health Officer Dr Javed Ahmed Dawachh visited the burnt down hospital and inquired about the cause of fire. The inquiry was at an early stage, he added.

He said that a report would be sent to the secretary of health on unregistered private medical centres.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.