ISLAMABAD: A shortage of beds and negligence on the part of doctors allegedly led to the death of a patient who was brought to Polyclinic Hospital three times in 16 hours, and was discharged twice after being provided medication.
Relatives of the deceased allegedly assaulted doctors, including a woman, and blamed them for the death of the patient, saying they had administered him medication that was either wrong or expired.
The district administration and Aabpara police also arrived at the hospital to handle the matter and ensure that an inquiry into the matter will be held.
However, Polyclinic media coordinator Dr Sharif Astori said the patient died either of cardiac arrest or dehydration, and said the doctors were considering holding a press conference regarding the matter on Thursday.
Relatives ‘assault’ doctors; district admin assures inquiry into the incident
Mohammad Umair, a relative of deceased, 35-year-old Mohammad Ashraf, told Dawn that his cousin worked as a driver for the Cabinet Division secretary. He said Ashraf began vomiting and was taken from G-7 to Polyclinic after midnight on Wednesday.
He said the doctors gave Ashraf medication and injections, and then suggested they take the patient home. “We asked them to admit him, but one of the doctors said they knew better and we should take the patient home as he was alright,” he said.
Mr Umair said Ashraf’s condition worsened at home. “At 4am, we took him back to Polyclinic, but at the time all the doctors were asleep in a locked room. We knocked on the door many times, but they did not bother to open the door. The nurses gave him medication and suggested we take him home.”
Ashraf’s condition worsened again by noon, Mr Umair said, and he was taken back to Polyclinic where he died.
“All the family members protested and submitted an application with the Aabpara police, because we believe the doctors are responsible for his death. They should have admitted the patient, and there is the possibility that the doctors or nurses may have given him the wrong – or expired – injection,” he said.
Mr Umair added: “The district administration has assured us that a detailed inquiry will be held, and the concerned doctor has been suspended. We have received the body after getting assurances that we will get justice.”
However, Dr Astori said it was not appropriate to beat a woman, and that the protesters had manhandled every person in a white coat.
“So far, no doctor has been suspended and an inquiry has not been ordered. We will hold a meeting on Thursday, after which it will be announced if an inquiry committee needs to be established,” he said.
Dr Astori added that the doctors may hold a press conference to clarify their position, as they were not at fault.
However, a doctor from the hospital who asked not to be named said due to a shortage of beds, doctors and staff try to discharge patients after providing them with medication.
“Internationally whenever a patient comes in the emergency department with such complaints, he is not only immediately admitted but a number of tests are carried out to ensure that he is completely out of danger. Doctors give time to the patient and refer him to different departments and discharge him after making sure the patient is completely out of danger. A patient’s life cannot be risked in developed countries,” he said.
“However, here doctors – especially at government hospitals – always have a casual attitude towards patients. I’m sure doctors would have immediately admitted the patient if it was the secretary rather than the driver of a secretary,” the doctor added.
Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2017
