Inquiry flags lapses in JPMC washroom birth

KARACHI:

A three-member inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) regarding the incident in which a woman reportedly gave birth in a hospital washroom, exposing serious lapses in emergency care and ward management.

According to hospital sources, the report states that the woman arrived at the gynecology ward around 9pm but did not receive timely medical attention. It further notes that no ultrasound was conducted, and the patient was instead advised to take a walk.

The inquiry found that both the consultant and the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) were not present on duty at the time of the incident, raising concerns over staff availability in critical care areas.

The report also highlighted that male attendants accompanying patients were present inside the gynecology ward premises, pointing to lapses in access control and ward discipline.

Among its recommendations, the committee suggested disciplinary review of the medical officer concerned and proposed that postgraduate doctors on duty be given an additional three months of training to improve clinical response and patient handling.