Woman gives birth on footpath after being denied admission at Civil Hospital Thatta

A pregnant woman was forced to give birth on the footpath outside Civil Hospital Thatta in Makli after being denied admission to the gynecology ward, highlighting the plight of poor patients at the largest health facility serving Thatta and Sujawal districts.

Relatives of Halima Machhi, a resident of Darro in Sujawal, alleged that the duty doctor misbehaved with them, pushed them out of the ward, and claimed that no staff were available. As her condition deteriorated, Halima delivered her baby outside the hospital premises on Sunday. Both mother and child remain in critical condition.

Family members said that despite the hospital’s size, basic facilities for underprivileged patients are largely absent. Rights groups echoed the concern. Human Rights Protection and Social Justice Thatta stated that Civil Hospital Makli has effectively been reduced to a referral centre, allegedly operating under the influence of powerful NGOs and retired employee Malik Adam.

Medical Superintendent Yameen Shah, who later admitted the mistake of the concerned doctors, told the media that both mother and child are stable and receiving care in the hospital's gynecology ward.

Reports suggest that women arriving for delivery are often subjected to mistreatment, threats, and forced eviction from the ward, leading to several distressing incidents of childbirth on the footpath. Rights activists termed the practice a grave violation of human rights.

Journalists covering Sunday’s incident were also reportedly harassed, with their mobile phones, cash, and a gold chain allegedly snatched.

Provincial Minister Riaz Hussain Shah Sherazi visited the hospital on Sunday night and met the Machhi family. He told the media that an inquiry has been ordered, and officials responsible for the incident will face disciplinary action.

A doctor, who requested anonymity, said the hospital is operating beyond its capacity. "Civil Hospital Makli primarily serves patients from Thatta, but we receive a significant number of patients from neighbouring districts," the doctor said.

According to him, Machhi was from Sujawal, which might have led the duty doctors to initially deny her admission. "However, the true cause will be revealed in the inquiry," he added.

Woman gives birth to quadruplets

Meanwhile, a labourer’s family in Chohar Jamali rejoiced after his wife gave birth to quadruplets at the government-run Health Centre Mureed Koso on Sunday. According to the family, the newborns include two boys and two girls, named Kareem Bux, Nabi Bux, Azeeman, and Nasmeeyan.

News of the rare four-baby birth spread quickly in the area, prompting neighbours and residents to visit and congratulate the parents. Both the mother and the infants are reported to be in good health.