The Punjab government has taken strict action following the Pakpattan hospital deaths, which claimed the lives of 20 children. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate arrest of Health CEO Dr. Sohail Asghar and Medical Superintendent Dr. Adnan Ghaffar after her emergency visit to the DHQ Hospital.
The chief minister conducted a surprise inspection after growing complaints of medical negligence and mismanagement. She toured hospital wards, spoke with patients, and heard grievances from families about staff behavior, lack of services, and medicine shortages.
CM Maryam expressed outrage over the Pakpattan hospital deaths, calling the incident a result of “criminal negligence.” She condemned the reported collusion between hospital staff and private pharmacies. “Despite a Rs 100 billion budget, patients are still forced to buy medicines,” she said.
She also noted shocking conditions inside the hospital, air conditioners ran in staff offices, while patients suffered in the heat. Incubators were available but non-functional, and doctors failed to perform regular rounds.
An inquiry committee confirmed serious lapses, including:
- Inactive emergency protocols
- Untrained critical care staff
- Neglect from consultants and doctors
In response, Maryam Nawaz announced a series of urgent reforms:
- Arrest of the parking contractor for overcharging
- Suspension of three lab technicians and sealing of private labs
- Removal of the district commissioner
- Ban on mobile phone use during duty
- Reassignment of air conditioning to patient wards
- Introduction of pager systems for internal communication
She also ordered audits of all hospital machinery and promised swift resolution of all pending inquiries within a week.
Directly addressing the staff, CM Maryam said, “Negligence kills, just like weapons. You are responsible for your life. Serve with compassion.” She promised full accountability for those behind the Pakpattan hospital deaths, assuring the public that health services across Punjab will undergo major reforms to prevent future tragedies.
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