RAWALPINDI, Aug 26: The Cantonment General Hospital has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the cause of death of a class 9th student, Zara, allegedly due to the hospital staff’s negligence.

Dr Azmat Faizullah has been nominated as the head of the three-member committee which will prepare its report within three days.

The girl was brought to the hospital on August 22 and operated upon for appendicitis on the same day. After the operation, her condition deteriorated while still under anaesthesia.

The doctors shifted her to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences where she did not show any improvement and died on the same day.

According to sources, the patient died because of excessive dose of anaesthesia and negligence of the doctors. Unavailability of proper vehicle to transfer her to Pims is also stated to be one of the reasons of her death.

The sources said the vehicle she was transported in had no oxygen and other necessary equipments.

However, the CGH medical superintendent, Dr Baig Ali Naz, denied the charges.

He said he was present in the hospital when the girl was brought there. She died of cardiac arrest which can happen to any person due to any reason, he said.

He said in case of excessive anaesthesia, a patient could take long to come to senses but it did not cause death.

Dr Baig said the vehicle was in a proper condition and well- equipped. Four doctors accompanied her to Pims, he said adding even her relatives admit there was no negligence on part of the doctors.