ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani nurse who pulled the only surviving newborn from a deadly hospital nursery fire that claimed the lives of 14 other infants is set to receive one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors.
The blaze broke out Wednesday at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a major government-run hospital in Islamabad. A 51-second CCTV clip that spread widely on social media showed Razia Noreen rushing into the smoke-filled nursery and coming out moments later with a newborn cradled in her arms. She tried to return for the other babies, but the intense flames and heavy smoke made it impossible.
Speaking through tears to private broadcaster Samaa TV on Sunday, Noreen said she had done only what her duty required.
“I did not do it for a reward. I love children, and caring for them is my passion,” she said, explaining that she desperately wanted to save the remaining infants, but “the fire spread through the nursery within two minutes.”
Noreen said she remains devastated that she could not rescue the others after carrying the first baby to safety, as the flames moved too quickly for her to go back inside. The memories, she said, have not left her. “I cannot sleep. Those babies do not let me sleep.”
She will receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat, or Star of Service, which recognizes people who have rendered distinguished public service or made exceptional contributions to the nation, and about $36,000. The announcement drew widespread praise online.
An inquiry requested by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Noreen entered the nursery and emerged eight seconds later carrying the baby. The nursery “deteriorated catastrophically within approximately two minutes,” according to the report. Fifteen newborns were being cared for in the third-floor nursery when the fire broke out.
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Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
Eight officials have since been suspended, and disciplinary proceedings initiated against them following the inquiry. Sharif also ordered criminal proceedings against those ultimately found responsible.
Investigators are yet to determine what caused the fire.
The deaths have prompted broader reviews of fire-safety measures at hospitals across Pakistan.
The fire was among Pakistan’s deadliest recent tragedies involving children. In June, 14 schoolchildren were killed when the roof of a tutoring center under construction collapsed in the eastern city of Lahore.
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