Minor dog-bite victim’s health deteriorates

CM visits NICH, assures the affected family of providing all possible help

KARACHI: Doctors at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) said on Saturday that the condition of the minor dog-bite victim from Larkana, Hasnain Bughio, is deteriorating.

NICH Director Dr Jamal Raza said that as the boy was bitten by several dogs, there is a risk of the infection spreading through his body.  "We might have to put him on ventilator again in case his condition worsens further," he said.

The family also confirmed that Hasnain's condition is unstable. "The doctors are trying their best," said Hasnain's uncle, Saddam Bughio, however adding that Hasanain "[frequently] cries in fear and it seems that he often, unconsciously, recalls the entire scene of the dogs' attack."

Saddam also confirmed that Hasnain has tried to speak to his parents.

He said that the doctors are constantly monitoring his nephew's condition. "They haven't confirmed his recovery but they assure us that they are trying their best," he added.

Dr Raza said that several blood tests have been conducted to identify the infection and bacteria that are affecting the health of the minor boy.  Treatment will be provided to him according to the blood test results, he added.

CM visits NICH

On Saturday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited NICH to enquire after Hasnain's health, where doctors briefed him about the condition of the dog-bite victim.

Dr Raza told the CM that the condition of the child was precarious and the 10-member medical board headed by Dr Jamshed Akhtar, paediatric surgeon at NICH, is making all possible efforts to save his life. The CM was informed that the condition of the boy is not stable and hence, he cannot be shifted to a health facility abroad for treatment.

Speaking to Dr Raza and Hasnain's father, Ghulam Hussain, CM Shah assured them that the government of Sindh is ready to shift the child to any hospital within Pakistan or abroad for treatment.

Hussain, however, told the CM that he is "satisfied with the treatment [being provided to his son] at NICH." He also thanked the provincial government for its efforts and assistance for Hasnain's treatment and recovery.

Shah directed the NICH administration to keep him updated about Hasnain's condition and directed to provide him best possible treatment.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2019.