Child raped in hospital lift, officials in denial

Following the horrifying incident of a child sexually assaulted in a lift at Sindh's second-largest government hospital, the hospital administration appears more focused on suppressing details than taking strict action against those responsible and implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. This lack of transparency deepens the seriousness of the matter.

According to The Express Tribune, the incident occurred on July 7 at Civil Hospital Karachi. A lift operator allegedly lured a young boy attending to his ailing mother with a promise of Rs100 and took him to the third floor of the hospital's operation theatre complex, where the assault occurred.

The traumatised child later confided in his father, who confronted and physically attacked the accused, even attempting to set him on fire. Police arrested the lift operator.

The case raises serious questions about the hospital's security and CCTV surveillance system functionality. Why was the lift stationary on the third floor for an extended period without attracting attention? Why was not the incident detected on surveillance footage? Is the hospital failing to provide basic protection to vulnerable patients and attendants?

Despite the gravity of the incident, the hospital administration displays alarming indifference. Medical Superintendent Dr Khalid Bukhari refused to comment, stating the matter falls under police jurisdiction.

When asked about CCTV coverage, he replied dismissively, "There are too many lifts; how many cameras can we install?" This reflects the hospital administration's negligence and lack of seriousness.

Officials have begun deflecting blame, with the MS pointing to OT complex in-charge Dr Bilal, who shifted responsibility back to the MS. Both have refused further comment. The Express Tribune team was also denied access to the lift where the assault occurred.

There is an urgent need to strengthen monitoring and security systems in hospitals and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation into this case.