After Child Tragedy, Pakpattan Health CEO and MS Detained

PAKPATTAN (RNN TV) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday paid an emergency visit to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Pakpattan following the tragic deaths of 20 children, allegedly due to gross medical negligence and mismanagement.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage, prompting the chief minister to conduct a surprise inspection of hospital wards, labs, and emergency units. During the visit, patients and their families voiced complaints regarding staff indiscipline, poor services, and systemic corruption.

Reacting strongly, CM Maryam ordered the immediate arrest of Pakpattan’s Health CEO Dr. Sohail Asghar and Medical Superintendent Dr. Adnan Ghaffar. A case has been registered against them, and a new MS from Sahiwal has been appointed. She also took notice of attempts by hospital staff to cover up the incident.

Furious over the conditions, Maryam condemned the collusion between hospital staff and private pharmacies. “Despite Rs100 billion spent on medicines, patients are still forced to buy from outside,” she said. She also noted that air conditioners in staff offices were functioning while patients suffered in uncooled wards.

Further actions were taken following an inquiry report, which revealed:

• Non-functional incubators

• Absence of emergency protocols

• Consultants’ indifference

• Untrained critical care staff

• Doctors skipping regular rounds

In response, the CM announced a series of immediate reforms:

• Dismissal of three lab technicians; private lab sealed

• Arrest of parking contractor and manager for overcharging

• Removal of the Pakpattan deputy commissioner

• Audit of all hospital machinery and equipment

• Ban on mobile phone use by medical staff during duty

• Introduction of a pager system for internal communication

• Redirection of air conditioning from offices to patient wards

• Resolution of all pending hospital inquiries within one week

Addressing staff, she stated: “Negligence kills. Those who fail to serve are criminals to the nation. Learn to treat patients like your own family.”

Maryam Nawaz assured that all responsible for the deaths would be held accountable, and promised a province-wide hospital overhaul to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Source: Web Desk