Medics' 'negligence' claims infant's life

A patient at Holy Family Hospital – Rawalpindi's largest public health facility - has accused the hospital's staff of killing her newborn by allegedly dropping her to the floor in the labour room.

The patient, Amina Bibi, has filed a complaint with the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital, Dr Ijaz Butt, seeking justice.

According to the sources, Amina Bibi visited the hospital on August 19 for a check-up, where an ultrasound revealed that her amniotic fluid levels were decreasing. She was admitted to the hospital but alleges that no further medical check-up or treatment was provided despite her repeated requests.

She further claimed that she was denied access to the washroom while experiencing pain.

She also alleged that the hospital staff informed her that the doctor on night duty would not be available until 10am the next day. Additionally, she claimed that her medical file was misplaced and was only found on August 20 after intervention by an administrative officer, yet no check-up was conducted even after the file was retrieved.

The following morning, the attending doctor reportedly dismissed Amina Bibi, and she claimed that the doctor expressed displeasure over a letter identifying her husband as an employee of the health department in Rawalpindi. Amina Bibi stated that she had to purchase medicine from outside the hospital, which she then handed over to the staff. Despite being told later in the evening that she appeared to be pain-free, her condition worsened at night, leading to her being taken to the labour room.

Amina Bibi alleged that she was made to sit on a chair in the labour room, where she eventually delivered her baby. She claimed that the doctor picked up the newborn girl and threw her to the ground. According to her, the doctor instructed the nurse to keep quiet.

Tragically, her newborn daughter did not survive.

When contacted, MS Dr Ijaz Butt confirmed that he had received a complaint and stated that a proper inquiry into the allegations is underway to ascertain the facts.

Meanwhile, official sources said the inquiry committee formed to investigate the alleged negligence and carelessness of the staff in the death of a one-day-old baby girl will submit its report on Monday (tomorrow).

Dr Ijaz Butt said strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this unfortunate incident. They received a written complaint on August 23, on which an inquiry committee was formed. Dr Farooq Kisana, Dr Nadeem Malik, Professor Khansa have been included in the inquiry committee.

Meanwhile, the infant's father Zahoorur Rehman expressed frustration over the loss of his child. He criticised the hospital administration for not taking timely action or contacting him after the incident and is seeking justice for the alleged negligence that resulted in the death of their newborn daughter.