KARACHI: Steps to protect patients’ rights under way
KARACHI, March 3: The Sindh Health Ministry in coordination with the law department is in process of streamlining the functioning of private health care facilities across the province, with major focus at ensuring code of ethics and safe/efficient patient handling at these institutions.
Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani here on Friday said due to the growing public complaints regarding mishaps registered at these facilities, it was necessary to take steps for the protection of patients’ rights.
He attributed the situation to the non-existent code of conduct among the staffers at these facilities leading to negligence and apathy at the expense of the masses.
Meanwhile, the minister also instituted an inquiry committee headed by Additional Health Secretary Capt Abdul Majid to ascertain facts regarding death of a two month child, due to the alleged mishandling by the medical staff at a local private hospital.
The minister ordered for inquiry, taking suo motu notice of the unfortunate incident in which a child born to one Kaleem Ansari, after 10 years, taken to Habib Medical Center - Gulberg for a minor health problem, however expired due to alleged improper handling by the medical staff concerned at the facility.
Mr Qaimkhani referring to frequent complaints about the high handedness at the private medical care units, despite charging high fee from public, said that the masses would not be rendered helpless and a system was being initiated to ensure quality service followed by mutual confidence between patients and the health care professionals.
Additional Health Secretary Dr Abdul Majid has been asked to submit a detailed report within the next 15 days.—APP
