Islamabad, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : A tragic incident at a prominent government hospital in Islamabad has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about Pakistan’s healthcare system. A fire in the neonatal unit resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the country’s public health infrastructure.
According to reports, the fire broke out on August 26 due to a malfunction in the air conditioning system. The flames quickly engulfed the ward where 15 infants were being kept in incubators and on oxygen support. Only one baby survived the disaster.
In an article for Nikkei Asia, journalist Farhan Bokhari described this tragedy as a stark contradiction between Pakistan’s global image and the harsh realities on the ground. He noted that while the country presents itself as a nuclear power and a mediator in international disputes, its economic crisis has severely impacted essential services like healthcare and education.
Bokhari emphasized that the incident also sheds light on class disparities in Pakistan. The affluent can access better healthcare facilities, while the majority rely on struggling public hospitals with limited resources.
The article referenced the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), revealing that Pakistan ranked 168th in 2026, a significant drop from 147th in 2016, placing it in the “low human development” category. As of June 2026, Pakistan’s external debt stood at $138.8 billion, with the country spending nearly 7% of its GDP on debt repayment, while less than 1% was allocated to health.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the government continues to invest in major infrastructure projects like motorways, neglecting critical sectors such as health and education. Following the incident, a senior civil servant responsible for health services in Islamabad was removed from their position.
Bokhari pointed out that only about 4% of the population pays taxes, with over a third living in extreme poverty. He warned that without significant reforms, such tragedies could become a recurring issue in the future.
Leave a Comment