Newborn Rescued From PIMS Nursery Fire Dies After Weeks in Critical Condition

The newborn who survived a deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has died after spending several weeks in critical condition.

Hospital sources said the infant passed away late Wednesday night while receiving treatment at the PIMS Children’s Hospital. The baby had remained in the intensive care unit and required ventilator support after suffering complications linked to smoke inhalation.

14 Newborns Died in August Fire

The fire broke out on August 26 in the neonatal nursery of the PIMS Mother and Child Hospital.

At the time of the incident, 15 newborns were reportedly present in the nursery. Fourteen infants died in the fire, while one newborn was rescued alive.

The surviving infant was taken for emergency medical treatment and remained under intensive care for several weeks.

Nurse Rescued Baby From Smoke-Filled Nursery

Nurse Razia Noreen rescued the newborn during the emergency after entering the smoke-filled nursery.

Noreen’s actions received widespread public appreciation, with her response during the fire also being recognized by the government.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Noreen said her priority during the incident was to save the babies trapped inside the nursery.

She said she was able to bring the newborn to safety within about eight seconds and described her actions as part of her responsibility as a nurse and mother rather than considering herself a hero.

Nurse Receives National Recognition

Noreen’s courage was later formally recognized at the national level.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the Sitara-i-Khidmat for the nurse and presented her with a Rs10 million cash award in recognition of her actions and dedication.

President Asif Ali Zardari also approved the conferment of the Tamgha-i-Shujaat on Noreen for risking her life to rescue the newborn during the fire.