MUZAFFARGARH: An abandoned baby girl, who had been previously stolen from a government hospital, died and buried at an undisclosed location on Wednesday.

According to the Qureshi police, the series of events began when a baby girl was born to an unmarried woman at a private clinic in Basira town on Oct 14. Lady Health Visitor (LHV) Nasira Talha brought the infant to the Basira Rural Health Centre in critical condition, seeking urgent medical attention. She informed the doctor that the baby’s delivery had taken place at her quarters and that the infant now required oxygen support. The doctor decided to refer the infant to the Indus Hospital in Muzaffargarh.

In the documents, the LHV listed herself as the mother and her husband, Talha Nasir, as the father of the baby. She mentioned the identity card of Saleem. During the admission process at the Indus Hospital, the LHV’s female attendant identified the baby as Fatima, with parents named as Nasira and Talha. Later, the LHV and her associates fled with the infant when the Indus Hospital recommended transferring the baby to the Children’s Hospital in Multan.

The police investigation, according a first information report, said that the baby had died. Further inquiries indicated that Nasira, Talha, Saleem, and their unidentified accomplices had buried the infant at an undisclosed location.

Deputy Commissioner Mian Usman Ali took notice of the incident, seeking a comprehensive report from the health department. He directed Chief Executive Officer for Health Dr Zaffar Iqbal to take action against unqualified medical practitioners, and that the people running clinics illegally should be arrested.

A case has been registered against LHV Nasira, her husband Talha, Saleem, their unidentified maid, and other people involved in the case.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2023