Newborn abducted from Allied Hospital

Parents asked relatives to take care of child in their absence

FAISALABAD: A newborn baby was kidnapped from the Allied Hospital’s nursery ward. Police have registered a case and opened investigations.

Reportedly, Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Chak No 128-JB, brought his wife to the hospital after she went into labour on July 8. She gave birth to a premature baby whose condition was critical. The couple had the child admitted to the intensive care unit on the doctor’s advice.

However, Ahmed had to return to the village with his wife. The couple asked their relatives, Altaf and Anam, to take care of the child in their absence. They also gave two important documents, such as the newborn’s identity card, which had been issued by the hospital.

Bodies of three newborns found

However, when Ahmed returned to the hospital on Tuesday, he found that the child and his relatives were nowhere to be found. He reported the incident to the hospital administration and Civil Lines police.

Police viewed CCTV footage and found Anam and Altaf carrying the newborn out of the hospital premises. Police have registered a case against the accused and have begun investigations. Assistant Sub Inspector Ibad Ali said that police are conducting raids to arrest the suspected kidnappers. He revealed that Altaf is notorious in the area and wanders from one city to another, looking for employment. SSP Operations Syed Ali Raza stated that officials are looking into the matter and special teams have been formed.

Meanwhile, Allied Hospital Medical Superintendent Khurram Altaf stated that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed in the wake of the incident. The committee is investigating how the accused managed to walk out of the hospital with a child.

He maintained that the hospital administration has devised proper procedures in order to avoid such incidents. The hospital issues identity cards for newborns, gate passes and look at the parents’ CNICs before handing over the baby, he said.

Dumped Like Garbage: Body of newborn found from the bushes

He added that all procedures had been followed in this case. The newborn was in critical condition and was on the incubator. However, she was handed over to the accused on their insistence.

He said that Allied Hospital has two gynecology wards with a capacity of 60 to 70 beds. “However, we receive more than 100 cases on a daily basis. Large crowds create hurdles in managing the situation,” he claimed.

He expressed that after the incident was brought to their attention, the administration beefed up security at the hospital. He also assured that the recommendations put forth by the inquiry committee will be enforced.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2019.