MULTAN: The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) on Saturday sealed the operating theatre of a private hospital after several patients lost their eyesight after surgeries.

A five-member inquiry committee was also constituted on the direction of the Multan commissioner.

According to an official handout, the PHC sealed the operating theatre of Laeeq Rafique Hospital located at Basti Malook, Adda Laar, for causing serious eye infections.

“Sixteen patients were reported to have developed infections in their eyes after procedures at the hospital. A four-member team of the PHC visited the hospital, did an initial investigation, confiscated the treatment record and took statements of the doctors and the staff concerned. The commission will take strict legal action against those found guilty upon completion of the inquiry,” the handout stated.

Meanwhile, on the direction of Commissioner Javed Akhtar Mahmood, District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Arshad Malik constituted a five-member committee to probe the incident.

Mr Mahmood had directed to constitute the committee on the direction of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar who sought a report.

According to the notification issued by CEO Health Dr Malik, the committee has been constituted to investigate the matter.

The district health officer (medical services) is the convener of the committee while district surveillance coordinator, deputy district health officer (headquarters), drug controller (Sher Shah Town) Abdul Latif and eye specialist at Government Shehbaz Sharif DHQ Hospital Dr Iram are the members.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2021