CM's security protocol linked to child's death

A child died as a result of not receiving timely medical treatment due to the security protocol of CM Punjab.

LAHORE: A child allegedly died as a result of not receiving timely medical treatment due to the security protocol of CM Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif who was on a visit to the Children's Hospital Lahore.

The baby's father, Mohammad Farooq, a resident of Gujranwala has alleged that he was unable to bring the child to the Children's Hospital in time due to strict security protocol for the Punjab chief minister around the hospital. He was speaking to the media outside the Children's Hospital.

Farooq said he had brought two of his babies to the hospital, but security did not let him in. He later took his second infant to another hospital.

Dr Rathore of the Children's Hospital has denied the father's allegations and said the babies were immediately given proper medical attention upon their arrival at the hospital. He said the babies were born prematurely and were underweight and that the baby who died was already suffering from breathing problems. Dr Rathore also said that the arrival of the CM or other important personalities does not affect treatment of emergency cases.

Dr Saeed Elahi of the hospital said that they did not stop anyone at the entrance and that the CM Punjab directs not to block roads for his security.

The chief minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident.