PAKPATTAN: Following the tragic deaths of 20 children, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, ordered the immediate arrest of the Medical Superintendent (MS) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakpattan’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. The officials were taken into custody on Saturday after her surprise visit to the hospital, during which she expressed serious concern over the incident.
Sources within the government confirmed that Dr. Adnan Ghaffar, the MS, and Dr. Sohail, the CEO of Health, were detained on charges of negligence and for allegedly attempting to suppress information related to the deaths. An FIR has been filed against both officials as part of the investigation.
The children died between June 16 and June 22, sparking widespread public outrage. Families of the victims accused hospital staff of carelessness and raised concerns about a shortage of oxygen supplies. However, initial assessments by the Punjab Health Department and the Sahiwal Commissioner’s office suggest a more nuanced situation.
According to preliminary findings, 15 of the children had been born at private clinics and were transferred in critical condition to the government hospital. Additionally, five of the fatalities were linked to mishandling by untrained midwives during delivery. It was also reported that the mothers of these children were not present during transfer, which complicated treatment efforts.
As part of the investigation, authorities have sealed three private hospitals involved in the case. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting oxygen shortages, officials clarified that the DHQ had enough oxygen cylinders—45 in total. A detailed review of each child’s admission and treatment process is underway.The Punjab government spokesperson stated that the hospital administration attempted to conceal the true causes behind the deaths, prompting strict action. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that those responsible will be held accountable and reaffirmed that negligence in healthcare will not be tolerated in the province
