SC takes notice of infants' deaths in Sargodha hospital

Published November 25, 2014
This picture shows a baby in an incubator. — Reuters/File photo
This picture shows a baby in an incubator. — Reuters/File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took notice of infants dying in Sargodha’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Teaching Hospital and has summoned a report from the Punjab Health Secretary within 48 hours.

Two infants died today, taking the overall death toll in the past week to 27.

Take a look: Three more newborns die in Sargodha DHQ hospital

Meanwhile, medical superintendent of the DHQ and some other officials have been suspended for their alleged negligence that led to the deaths of newborn babies following an inquiry conducted by the Punjab government.

The Punjab chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) is observing a boycott over the arrest of the hospital's medical team members.

Explore: Eight infants die overnight in Sargodha hospital

It has been alleged that the reason for the deaths was due to absence of facilities, including unavailability of oxygen and incubators shortage, and negligence of the doctors.

However, PMA's Sargodha President Dr Sikander Warraich had refuted the charges of negligence of doctors or staff, saying the children had not died due to negligence of the medical staff.

Examine: DHQ ‘denies’ admission to private hospital infants

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