Family protests newborn's death

Alleges injury marks on body, challenges stillbirth claim by doctor

RAWALPINDI:

A newborn baby died under mysterious circumstances during childbirth at a private hospital in Rawalpindi, prompting the family to accuse doctors of negligence.

Following protests by the relatives, the hospital administration maintained that the baby had been stillborn, while police initiated legal proceedings upon the parents' request.

According to police officials, a citizen identified as Zohaib contacted the police emergency helpline and reported that his wife, Iqra Khokhar, had been admitted to Qasmi Surgeon International Hospital on Saidpur Road for delivery.

He alleged that Dr Sabeen and other medical staff displayed negligence and carelessness during the procedure, resulting in the death of the newborn.

Upon receiving the complaint, Banni SHO, Arsalan Yaseen, along with a police team, arrived at the hospital. Hospital officials informed police that the woman had undergone surgery for childbirth and that the infant had been delivered stillborn.

However, family members claimed that when they examined the baby, they found injury marks on the head and neck. After raising concerns with the hospital administration, they alleged that the administration continued to insist the child had been born dead.

The incident led to strong protests by the relatives within the hospital premises. Police said they had received a formal application from the parents and initiated preliminary legal proceedings.

Police officials stated that a case report would be prepared and the matter referred to the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) for investigation.