Hospital Defends Ward Security After BBC Report On Baby Protection

A hospital ward in Pakistan where a fire killed 14 babies had unlocked doors manned by security guards rather than physical locks, according to statements given to BBC News.

The tragedy has drawn intense scrutiny regarding safety protocols and infant care facilities in the region. Witnesses previously reported that doors to the ward were locked during the incident, raising questions about evacuation procedures and emergency response times.

Hospital Officials Respond to Security and Access Claims

Hospital representatives disputed claims that the ward was barred shut, telling BBC News that the ward door was not locked. Instead, officials explained that the area was manned with security guards stationed specifically to protect the babies.

The clarification from hospital management highlights conflicting accounts between eyewitnesses on the ground and administrative personnel managing facility access. Investigators are working to establish how the fire started and whether staffing arrangements hindered rescue efforts as the flames spread through the unit.