CM Maryam orders arrest of health officials over death of 20 newborns in Pakpattan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate arrest of the CEO Health and Medical Superintendent (MS) of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Pakpattan during her visit to the facility, in connection with the deaths of 23 newborns.

The action comes after a major healthcare scandal emerged in Pakpattan, where over 20 newborns died within at the DHQ Hospital. Following the incident, CM Maryam Nawaz ordered an inquiry.

According to initial findings compiled by the Health Department and Commissioner Sahiwal, many of the deaths were linked to complications from deliveries conducted by untrained midwives and private hospitals.

The report stated that 15 of the infants were born at a private hospital and brought to the DHQ Hospital only after their condition had worsened. Additionally, five children died due to deliveries conducted by unqualified midwives.

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The report also noted that three private hospitals were sealed, and in many cases, the mothers were not present when the infants were brought to the DHQ hospital for emergency treatment.

Contrary to earlier claims, no evidence of an oxygen shortage was found at the hospital. Officials confirmed the presence of 45 oxygen cylinders and noted that a clinical audit was conducted to examine the timeline of the infants' arrival and the treatment they received.

The provincial government has vowed to take strict action against all those found guilty of negligence or malpractice.