ABBOTTABAD: The report of an inquiry committee on the death of a woman at the Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH) on July 24 has held the doctors and the laboratory staff responsible for the fatality.

This was disclosed by Sardar Fida Hussain, a member of the inquiry committee, while addressing a news conference at the Abbottabad Press Club.

The inquiry committee was formed following the protest of the victim’s family. It was led by Dr Mukhtiar with an official of the deputy commissioner’s office, a brother of the woman, and social worker Sardar Fida Hussain as its members.

Sardar Mushtaq, a brother of the deceased Saira Bano, and also a member of the committee, was also present.

Mr Fida said the inquiry report held responsible six doctors and recommended action against them and the ATH’s laboratory staff as well.

It also suggested taking notice of the non-availability of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) blood bank in the Women and Children Hospital, Abbottabad.

Mr Fida said if the district administration failed to implement the recommendations of the inquiry report within two weeks then they would go to court and also protest.

Giving details of Ms Bano’s death, Mr Fida said on June 20 she was brought to the Women and Children Hospital, Abbottabad, where she gave birth to a child. Keeping in view the poor condition of the patient after the childbirth and the non-availability of ICU and blood bank facility in the hospital, the patient was referred to ATH with recommendations to admit her to the ICU, he added.

On July 24, Ms Bano’s condition worsened as she was not admitted to the ICU and kept in the gynaecology ward of ATH. Later, she was shifted to the ICU, where she died after transfusion of wrong blood, said Mr Fida.

Speaking on the occasion, the victim’s brother said the report’s findings had also been sent to the prime minister, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, provincial health minister and the health secretary.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2021