By Attia Naveed
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched a surprise inspection of DHQ Hospital Pakpattan following the tragic deaths of 20 children between June 16 and 22. She held the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Adnan Ghaffar, and the Chief Health Officer criminally responsible for negligence, ordering their immediate arrest.
During her visit, the CM heard complaints from distraught parents regarding poor management, long delays in treatment, and demands for exorbitant parking fees. She commanded the suspension of the parking contractor and attendant for overcharging, and ordered the sealing of three unauthorized private labs inside the hospital.
CM Maryam reassigned the MS position to a new officer from Sahiwal, and directed a full equipment audit. She was outraged that wards lacked air conditioning while administrative offices had AC, and thus mandated immediate implementation of Code Red and Code Blue emergency systems, and pagers for staff communication.
An inquiry report revealed critical lapses: available equipment remained unused, no night rounds occurred in the pediatrics ward, and staff lacked training in emergency protocols. CM Nawaz noted that hospitals were not following Healthcare Commission regulations, and stressed that negligence 鈥渃an kill鈥攏o weapon is needed.鈥
The CM emphasized accountability, warning, 鈥淭hose who neglect patients must answer鈥攂efore Allah and the people.鈥 She directed the District Commissioner to vacate their position if unhelpful, and demanded monthly updates on improvements. Public feedback also prompted actions like sealing private labs and ensuring free medicines in the hospital store.