Families Reject Internal Report as Questions Intensify
SAHIWAL: Pakpattan 20 baby deaths The deaths of 20 children primarily newborns at Pak pattan’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital have ignited widespread anger and fueled demands for justice. An internal hospital report that absolved the medical staff of accountability is being questioned by families and outside observers.
Twenty infants died at the hospital between June 16 and June 22, 2025. Fifteen of these were newborns. Grieving families protested after five deaths on June 19 alone. They cited a purported oxygen cylinder shortage in the pediatric ward and accused hospital employees of negligence.
In response, DHQ Medical Superintendent Dr. Adnan formed a three-member internal committee on June 21. The committee included Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Muddasir as convener, along with Chief Pediatric Consultant Dr. Muhammad Adnan and Head Nurse Nighat Ara.
The inquiry confirmed that all 20 children died within a week and included 11 newborns, four infants aged one day, four babies five months old, and a five-year-old child. However, the report stated that none of the deaths occurred due to medical negligence or oxygen shortage. It claimed all the children were already critically ill at the time of admission and received proper care.
Inquiry Report Highlights Documentation Issues, Not Medical Fault
The committee did not find fault with the doctors or paramedics but noted major shortcomings in the documentation process. It suggested that hospital staff undergo refresher training to ensure proper recording of critical cases.
Families rejected these findings, insisting the report lacked credibility. Many now demand an impartial, external inquiry to uncover the truth behind the rapid loss of so many young lives.
Administrative Staff Removed Amid Mounting Pressure
Surprisingly, the hospital administration dismissed five administrative officials from their positions after receiving orders from Secretary of Health Dr. Nadia Saqib. Officers in charge of finance, procurement, human resources, audit, and logistics were among them
This action brought up new issues: why were administrative officers held responsible if the committee exonerated the medical staff and pointed the finger at inadequate documentation? With the medical staff and administrative staff blaming one another, the situation inside the hospital has gotten worse.
Public pressure for an impartial and open external investigation is still growing in the meantime. Grieving families want accountability instead of internal cover-ups after 20 young lives were lost in a single week. To guarantee justice and stop more tragedies, a genuinely independent investigation is desperately needed.
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