PIMS Islamabad Extends Cleaning Contract Despite Multiple Warnings and Fines
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has extended the cleaning contract of Imran & Co.. The company has a documented history of poor performance, fines, and warning notices.
Official records show that Imran & Co. received 15 warning notices over time. The notices cited failure to provide required cleaning equipment, lack of machines and tools, and severe manpower shortages.
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This year alone, the company was fined over Rs. 6 million, confirmed by a PIMS spokesperson. Alongside these fines, show-cause notices were issued, demanding explanations for the repeated shortcomings in cleaning services.
A special committee formed to review the company’s performance this year formally expressed dissatisfaction. The committee report detailed significant shortages of cleaning staff during evening and night shifts, which directly affected hospital hygiene and created difficulties for patients and their attendants.
Imran & Co. Cleaning Contract at PIMS Renewed Despite Performance Issues
Despite these issues, PIMS’ procurement department, with approval from the Executive Director, granted Imran & Co. an extension for the upcoming year without a fresh tender. This decision has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the hospital’s administrative process.
Even after the extension notification in November, the company received three more warning notices, emphasizing ongoing performance concerns. Critics argue that extending a contract under such circumstances sets a troubling precedent for public sector procurement and raises serious concerns about the hospital’s commitment to maintaining hygiene standards.
Imran & Co.’s performance issues are not minor. The shortage of staff during crucial night and evening hours impacts patient safety and hospital operations. Effective cleaning in hospitals is essential to prevent infections and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Public scrutiny has intensified as news of the contract extension spreads. Health sector experts highlight that administrative decisions in hospitals must prioritize service quality, especially in institutions like PIMS that serve thousands of patients daily. Extending a contract without a competitive tender, despite documented failures, could undermine public trust in hospital administration.
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The case also raises broader questions about oversight and accountability in public procurement. Experts suggest that repeated warning notices and heavy fines should prompt stricter action, including re-tendering contracts or selecting more competent service providers.
As of now, PIMS management has not publicly commented on why the extension was granted despite ongoing performance issues. The decision may fuel debates about governance, transparency, and hospital hygiene standards in Islamabad and across Pakistan.
Moving forward, ensuring that cleaning services in PIMS meet high standards is critical. Hospitals must balance administrative convenience with the need to maintain safety, hygiene, and patient trust. Continuous monitoring, timely action against underperforming contractors, and transparent procurement practices are essential for improving service quality.
In conclusion, the extension of Imran & Co.’s cleaning contract at PIMS Islamabad, despite repeated fines and warnings, highlights significant administrative lapses. The decision underscores the urgent need for accountability, better oversight, and adherence to transparent procurement practices to safeguard hospital hygiene and patient well-being.
