PHC orders closure of hospital after negligence surfaces

Owner found guilty of hiring unqualified staff, not possessing necessary equipment

MULTAN: The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) ordered the closure of the surgical and gynaecological services of Akhtar Sultana Memorial Hospital after allegations of medical negligence in the case of Umaira Hassan were proved true, on Tuesday.

The hospital was also found guilty of hiring unqualified staff, not maintaining records and not possessing the necessary equipment.

PHC imposed a fine of Rs0.1 million on the hospital and banned the medical practice of Dr Rubina Akhtar, the owner of Akhtar Sultana Memorial Hospital. The commission stated she did not possess a degree in gynaaecology.  The case has been referred to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for further punishment.

Hassan, a pregnant 23-year-old, was brought to the hospital in question. She complained of loose motion and abdominal pain. After examining the patient, Akhtar concluded that it was best to deliver the baby, a full 28 days before the due date.

In its verdict, PHC stated that according to a report drawn up by Nishtar Hospital, Hassan had a seven by eight centimetre incision around her vagina, including several other cuts which caused her to bleed out.

Akhtar tried to stem the flow of blood using stitches, but due to her inexperience, Hassan’s condition had already deteriorated.

Furthermore, after the operation, Akhtar did not pay any heed to the condition of the patient and remained absent from the premises. Hassan was also not referred to another hospital for the next 13 hours, during which a lot of blood was lost. She died the day after the botched delivery.

After Hassan’s untimely demise, her sister Umm-e-Kulsoom registered a complaint against the administration of the hospital and Akhtar at the Multan district coordination officer’s (DCO) office. The allegations were proved true after an inquiry by the DCO, however, due to Akhtar’s influence, no action was taken.

The inquiry lasted two years and the final verdict was announced on March 19th of this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2018.