Islamabad: Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood has been assigned additional charge as Federal Health Secretary for a period of three months or until a permanent appointment is made, according to available reports.

The development comes at a time when Pakistan’s health authorities are dealing with the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, where 14 newborn babies reportedly lost their lives.

Muhammad Mahmood to Oversee National Health Services Division

Muhammad Mahmood is a BS-21 officer who currently serves as Secretary Housing and Works. Under the new arrangement, he will additionally oversee the National Health Services Division.

The temporary assignment is expected to continue for three months unless a permanent Federal Health Secretary is appointed before that period ends.

The appointment provides continuity in the federal health administration while the government continues to address the issues arising from the PIMS tragedy.

Suspension of Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri

The development follows the 120-day suspension of Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.

Ghauri’s suspension came after the PIMS nursery fire, which resulted in the reported deaths of 14 newborn babies. The incident generated widespread concern over hospital safety, emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of fire-response arrangements.

The suspension is linked to the ongoing government response and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Inquiry Into the PIMS Fire

A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the tragedy.

The investigation is expected to examine several aspects of the incident, including allegations of negligence, the condition of fire-safety arrangements and the response of officials and relevant departments during the emergency.

The findings of the inquiry could help determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible for failures identified during the investigation.

Government Promises Accountability

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that accountability will follow if those responsible are identified.

The government’s response has placed renewed attention on safety standards in major public hospitals, particularly areas such as nurseries and neonatal units where patients require specialised care and rapid emergency assistance.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of functioning fire alarms, emergency exits, evacuation procedures, staff training and appropriate emergency equipment in healthcare facilities.

Why the Appointment Matters

The Federal Health Secretary plays an important administrative role in coordinating federal health policies and overseeing the National Health Services Division.

With a temporary officer now holding the additional charge, attention will remain on how the ministry manages its responsibilities while the PIMS inquiry progresses.

The appointment also comes at a sensitive moment for Pakistan’s healthcare system, as questions surrounding hospital safety and institutional accountability continue to receive public attention.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus is expected to remain on the ongoing investigation into the PIMS fire and the implementation of any recommendations that emerge from the inquiry.

A permanent appointment to the position of Federal Health Secretary may also be made before the three-month additional-charge period expires.

The inquiry’s findings will be important in establishing what happened, whether safety protocols were followed and whether administrative or operational failures contributed to the tragedy.

Conclusion

The appointment of Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood as additional Federal Health Secretary marks an important administrative development following the suspension of Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.

As the government investigates the PIMS nursery fire and its reported loss of 14 newborn lives, the focus remains on determining the facts, strengthening hospital safety measures and ensuring accountability where responsibility is established.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. Details may change as official investigations and further statements are released. The image used with this article is AI generated and is for reference only.