Probe ordered into infant's death

MURREE:

The Murree district administration has ordered an inquiry into the alleged medical negligence surrounding the death of a 17-month-old boy at the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, with a district-level committee directed to submit its findings within three days.

The inquiry was initiated after the Murree Deputy Commissioner took notice of a complaint lodged by the child's father, Muhammad Umair, a resident of New Murree, who alleged that his son died as a result of incorrect treatment and negligence by hospital staff.

According to an official notification issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Murree District Health Authority (DHA), the committee comprises Dr Suleman, Medical Superintendent of THQ Hospital Kotli Sattian, as convener, while Dr Maryam Ali, Deputy District Health Officer Murree, and Dr Abrar, Consultant Paediatrician at THQ Hospital Kotli Sattian, will serve as members.

The committee has been tasked with examining all aspects of the complaint, scrutinising the relevant medical records, recording statements from the complainant, healthcare professionals and other concerned individuals, and determining whether any negligence, maladministration or administrative lapse occurred.

It has also been directed to identify responsibility and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer within three days for further legal and departmental action.

According to the grieving parents, they took their 17-month-old son to THQ Hospital Murree on July 18 after he developed vomiting and diarrhoea. They alleged that the attending doctor neither checked the child's temperature nor conducted a proper clinical examination before prescribing five injections.

The parents further claimed that all five injections were administered within less than five minutes and alleged that Ringer's Lactate, which is ordinarily administered intravenously through a drip, was injected directly instead. They said they were then advised to take the child home.