Medics blamed for girl’s arm loss

A case of alleged medical negligence in Bahawalnagar left a girl permanently disabled. The girl's parents had taken her to a private hospital to treat a minor arm fracture. However, due to what they claim was negligence on the part of the doctor, their daughter's life has been forever changed.

This incident has shed light on the lack of checks and balances in Bahawalnagar’s private hospitals and treatment covered by health cards has sadly normalized daily patient deaths in these establishments.

The three-and-a-half-year-old daughter of Imran, a resident of Mohalla Farooqabad, sustained a fall from a bed earlier this week. Acting swiftly, Imran rushed her to National Hospital on Chishtian Road, where hospital staff examined the girl and conducted an X-ray, sending the report to the doctor via WhatsApp.

The doctor in turn instructed the staff to administer an injection and to take the girl to the operation theater.

After two days, the girl's arm started turning black, prompting her father to rush her back to the hospital. Doctors informed him that the girl had been bitten by something poisonous, resulting in the discoloration of her arm.

The hospital staff immediately took her to the operation theater and an hour later, Imran was informed that his daughter had lost a significant amount of blood and he was instructed to arrange for four bottles of blood immediately.

While Imran made arrangements to procure the blood, he was devastated upon returning to the hospital.

His daughter's arm had been amputated. Imran was outraged that the amputation had taken place without his consent or prior knowledge. Dr Amjad Tahir, who practiced at the hospital, claimed that the amputation was carried out without the parents' permission as it was necessary to save the girl's life.

However, the young girl’s parents rejected the doctor's claims, stating that they had not given any permission nor had they signed any consent form. Imran, who was previously employed at a private bank, lost his job due to taking time off to care for his daughter. He is now burdened with loans and is traveling between Lahore and Islamabad in search of treatment for his daughter.

According to Imran, doctors in Islamabad have expressed concern that the amputation was performed incorrectly, warning about the potential spread of infection. There may be a need for further amputation of the affected arm. The girl's father appealed to the Chief Minister Punjab and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to intervene and ensure justice.

Responding to the outcry, a committee led by Divisional Head Health Authority Dr Tanveer arrived in Bahawalnagar to conduct an investigation. Dr Tanveer assured that a detailed report would be submitted to the relevant authorities after gathering information from both parties.

However, the victim's father expressed his dissatisfaction and distrust in the doctors conducting a fair inquiry. He appealed to establish a committee of doctors from Lahore or Islamabad to ensure justice is served.

Meanwhile in response to the incident, Bahawalnagar administration has temporarily sealed the hospital pending the outcome of the investigation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2023.