Probe confirms negligence in neonate's death at Holy Family

The inquiry committee looking into allegations that Holy Family Hospital (HFH) staff caused the death of a one-day-old baby by dropping her on the floor has confirmed the claims of negligence.

The one-day-old baby girl was allegedly dropped on the ground in front of her mother, Amina Bibi, at HFH. After this, a nurse placed her dead body on a bench and disappeared. Amina Bibi had filed a complaint with the MS and reported the doctor's unacceptable behaviour.

According to sources, the inquiry committee comprising three doctors, Dr Farooq Kisana, Dr Nadeem Malik and Prof Khansa, formed by HFH MS Dr Ijaz Butt, held the PGs admin and nurses responsible for the incident in their report.

To finally determine who was at fault and punish them, the Rawalpindi Medical University Vice Chancellor was recommended to form a committee consisting of gynaecology, radiology and paediatric consultants.

The inquiry committee, through its investigation, found that the death of the baby was caused by staff negligence, thereby, confirming the allegations. According to sources, the consultant committee, which will be constituted now by the Vice Chancellor, will finally confirm the culprits and punish them.

Holy Family Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt said, "Not only will action be taken against those responsible for this unfortunate incident, but steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future and proper guidelines will also be issued."

Background

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 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.

Bibi alleged that she was made to sit on a chair in the labour room, where she eventually delivered her baby.