NAROWAL: A family has alleged that their patient died in the emergency ward of the Narowal District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital due to the alleged negligence of a doctor.

Ghulam Ilyas, of Zafarwal City, said his mother, Razia Bibi, 55, was referred to the DHQ Hospital from a private hospital for chest pain treatment. At the emergency ward, he was told to get her mother’s laboratory tests, blood work and X-ray done from a private lab, which he followed.

Later on, the duty doctor did not pay any attention to the patient and left her to trainee nurses and paramedics whereas his efforts to get the doctor’s attention failed. Instead, the doctor treated him rudely, Ilyas alleged.

Death relieved his mother of the excruciatingly sharp pain, he said.

The family members protested against the doctor in the emergency ward and at the lobby of the hospital.

Farah Alam and Mohammad Mahboob, deceased’s attendants in the emergency ward, told the media that the doctors’ attitude towards the patients and their families was insulting.

Hafeezan Bibi, a patient admitted to the emergency ward, supported protesters’ stance, saying the deceased was given a bed next to her and she remained unattended.

Dr Hafiz Mohammad Khalid, chief executive officer of the District Health Authority, said the DHQ Hospital offered ECG, X-ray and blood test. He, however, said an inquiry would be held into the death of the patient and departmental action would be taken against those responsible.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2021