Inquiry report invalidates rape allegations

Patient went for a check-up to Sheikh Zayed Hospital where doctors told her she was pregnant

LAHORE: The inquiry report of the alleged rape of a woman during an operation at the Services Hospital has been issued on Tuesday.

The inquiry committee, formed on the orders of Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid, issued the report. The health ministry spokesperson said the patient was admitted at 9:30am on November 23 and discharged on November 24 at 7pm. She had not registered any complaint at the time of admission. The spokesperson further stated the inquiry report does not establish the rape of the woman by medical or non-medical staff. The inquiry committee recorded statements of senior doctors, including 21 employees. Dr Rukhsana Shaheen Najmi, Dr Sameera Qamber, Dr Tehseen Obaid, Dr Arif Rasheed and Dr Rubina Sohail were part of the inquiry committee.

The patient was allegedly first sedated and then raped at a hospital in Lahore. The victim, in a complaint filed with the police, said she went to a local hospital for treatment for pain. She added doctors took her to a surgical ward where she was injected with sedatives and operated on.

Upon her return to home after the procedure, when she removed the bandages, there was no sign of blood or any surgery. However, when she went for a check-up to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, the doctors told her that she was pregnant. She believed that she was sexually assaulted in the operation theatre.

Taking notice of the incident, Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid formed a committee to probe the matter.

The health minister had said if the suspects were found guilty, they would be taken to task as per the law.