Family alleges hospital negligence led to patient's death in Karachi; investigation demanded

While speaking to Dialogue Pakistan, Talha Saleem, son of 59-year-old Jameela Saleem who died after a procedure at Darul Sehat Hospital, alleged that his mother was a healthy person and had only been suffering from kidney stones.

Talha said they consulted Dr. Anis-ur-Rehman, who advised removing the stones, warning that they could affect her kidney if left untreated. He stated that his mother was taken for surgery at around 9:30 a.m. and returned at 12:30 p.m., after which doctors informed the family that the procedure had been successful.

He alleged that when the family went to see her after the operation, she was struggling to breathe. According to Talha, doctors did not immediately inform the family about the situation and said she would be kept under observation in the ICU for 12 hours.

Talha further claimed that after an hour, the hospital informed them that her condition had become critical due to a sudden rise in blood pressure and fluid accumulation in her chest. He said that when they questioned how the fluid entered her chest, Dr. Anis-ur-Rehman allegedly admitted it was a mistake and described it as a rare complication.

He also alleged that three doctors left after an FIR was registered against them and demanded strict action against the hospital and the doctors involved.

Another family member appealed to the Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and relevant authorities to take action.

Residents also claimed that this was not the first such incident involving Darul Sehat Hospital, alleging that previous cases had occurred due to negligence and the involvement of junior staff in assisting during operations.