SC takes notice as one more child dies in Sargodha hospital

Health secretary directed to submit report in 48 hours on deaths of 26 infants in six days

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk has taken notice of the numerous deaths of children and newborn babies in the Sargodha District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ).

The deaths took place due to insufficient medical facilities, a lack of oxygen and lack of incubators.

After going through different press clippings on the same issue, the chief justice ordered secretary health and the Punjab government to submit a report within a period of 48 hours.

On November 22, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had ordered the police to look into the matter after taking notice of the tragedy.  It has been reported that 26 children died in just six days.

A three-member investigation committee had earlier sent the Punjab chief minister a report on the issue. Parents of the deceased children and those in critical condition accused authorities of not doing enough to address the issue.