BAHAWALNAGAR: Scores of citizens and the family of a five-year-old boy who allegedly died due to medical negligence staged on Thursday a protest outside the emergency department of the Minchinabad Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, accusing the hospital staff of causing the child’s death.

Speaking to the media, the child’s father, Hamza, said his son, Mohsin, had been suffering only from flu and a mild fever since the Tuesday night. He alleged that after they reached the THQ Hospital, a ward boy, acting on the instructions of duty doctor Iqbal, administered an injection into the vein.

According to Hamza, Mohsin screamed in pain immediately after receiving the injection. He claimed the child, who had walked into the hospital on his own, died within minutes of the injection.

Hamza alleged that after realising the child had died, the hospital administration attempted to conceal its negligence by claiming Mohsin’s condition had deteriorated. He said the staff placed the child on oxygen support and referred him to Sahiwal. However, upon reaching the hospital in Sahiwal, the family was informed that the child had already died before arrival.

The protesters demanded that the Punjab health secretary order an immediate and transparent inquiry into the incident and ensure those responsible were held accountable.

When contacted, THQ Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Hasnain Shah told Dawn that Mohsin had been admitted with vomiting and was administered an anti-emetic injection on the instructions of the duty doctor. He said the child suffered a severe reaction after the injection. Although his breathing was briefly restored and he was referred to Sahiwal for further treatment, doctors there could not save him.

Dr Shah said the family had alleged that the injection had been administered improperly. He added that a three-member inquiry committee had been constituted to investigate the incident and submit its report within 24 hours.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026