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

Opinion

Editorial

Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...
Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...