DERA GHAZI KHAN: Following the death of a woman caused by post-operation complications, the district health office has sealed the private hospital after taking the record and initiated an inquiry.

Talking to Dawn, District Health Officer Dr Majid Aziz said a three-member committee had been constituted to probe the incident.

As per family members, a 27-year-old woman lost her life following a cesarean section allegedly performed by a dental doctor at a private hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan.

The victim, Mahwish Shoaib, wife of Shoaib Naseer Sultan, was admitted to the Aslam Hospital in the city on Jan 18 for delivery.

The hospital administration decided to perform a major cesarean section operation, which was carried out the same day. While the newborn was safely delivered and handed over to the family, the mother’s condition began to deteriorate shortly after being moved to a ward.

Family members said when Mahwish Shoaib’s condition worsened, the hospital staff dismissed it as a blood pressure issue and assured them she would recover. As her condition became critical, the family inquired about the operating surgeon, only to be told the doctor was not present.

The husband, Shoaib Naseer Sultan, and other relatives reported to the media that following the surgery, the son of the hospital owner - a dental surgeon - and a female ophthalmologist were seen leaving the operation theatre.

When the patient turned critical, the hospital lacked proper trauma facilities, had no senior gynaecologist present, and offered no emergency care.

The hospital administration itself referred the critically ill patient to another facility, but no hospital was willing to admit her in such a condition. She was eventually shifted to the teaching hospital, where doctors confirmed her death.

Taking immediate notice, the Dera Ghazi Khan commissioner asked the health department to act. A team led by District Health Officer Dr. Mian Majid Aziz and Dr. Ayaz Birmani reviewed the hospital’s records and, following initial investigations, sealed the operation theatre and the hospital. Authorities stated that a formal inquiry into the incident has been initiated.

Sources indicate that after videos and photos spread on social media, the Punjab government also took notice and ordered high-level investigations.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026