Comedy of errors: Lady Reading Hospital pronounces living patient dead

Administration calls it propaganda to malign facility’s reputation


Our Correspondent August 23, 2015
The death certificate of Malik Gulistana who was mistakenly pronounced dead. PHOTO: EXPRESS

PESHAWAR: A patient who had been pronounced dead at Lady Reading Hospital on Saturday was found to be alive.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Sunday, Shaukat said his 73-year-old father, Malik Gulistana, rolled on his back minutes after he was declared dead by doctors at the facility.

“They had started to prepare his death certificate when my father called my name and asked for support,” he added.

Spoken too soon

According to Shaukat, Gulistana had been rushed to LRH on August 17 after he complained of severe chest pain.

“He was admitted to the cardiology ward,” he said. “I brought him to LRH because it is the largest hospital in the province and is equipped with modern facilities.”

On August 22, Shaukat noticed that his father was not moving and instantly called the doctor.

“When I went to the doctor’s office, he was watching a movie and only agreed to check up on my father when I insisted repeatedly,” he said. “The doctor checked my father’s blood pressure. Within a few seconds, he said my father was no more. Subsequently, the staff members provided us with a shroud for the last rites.”

Miraculous recovery?

Shaukat instantly informed his relatives in Darra Adam Khel and told them to make preparations for the funeral. However, within minutes, he heard his father’s voice.



“I was both relieved and shocked,” he said, recalling the incident. “I was glad that my father wasn’t dead. However, I was astounded by the way staff members were eagerly making arrangements to bury a man who was still alive.”

Shaukat said his friends and relatives at the hospital who had started praying for the departed soul also heard Gulistana’s voice.

“I instantly told the doctor that my father was alive,” he said. “The doctor said they wanted to examine him. However, I did not allow them to do so and asked them to discharge him.”

A question of responsibility

Shaukat said the doctors’ irresponsible attitude was the icing on the cake.

“During my father’s stay at the hospital, I noticed that doctors did not act with the level of responsibility one expects of staff members at LRH. I am going to take legal action against the staff so they can be careful next time.

When contacted, LRH Public Relations Officer Syed Jamil Shah denied the allegations, saying they were an attempt to malign the hospital administration.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2015. 

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