DHQ Pakpattan
In a major development following the deaths of 20 children at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Pakpattan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate arrest of the hospital’s top officials.
Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr. Adnan Ghafar and CEO Health Dr. Sohail were taken into custody on Saturday directly from the hospital premises.
The arrests came after the chief minister made a surprise visit to the hospital, expressing deep concern over the tragic incident that occurred between June 16 and June 22.
During her visit, CM Maryam was briefed on the circumstances surrounding the deaths, after which she instructed police officials to take swift and decisive action. An official First Information Report (FIR) has also been lodged against both the MS and the CEO.
According to government sources, the two senior officials are being investigated for alleged negligence in duty and for attempting to conceal the true causes behind the series of deaths. Families of the deceased children have accused the hospital staff of severe negligence, claiming there was a shortage of life-saving oxygen cylinders and an overall lack of adequate care.
However, preliminary findings from the Punjab Health Department and the office of the Commissioner Sahiwal suggest a more complicated reality. Investigators have confirmed that 15 of the 20 children who died were initially born in private hospitals and were later brought to the DHQ Hospital in critical condition. The remaining five fatalities were reportedly linked to deliveries conducted by untrained midwives at home.
Further complicating treatment efforts, officials noted that in many cases, the mothers of the children were not transferred alongside them, depriving doctors of crucial medical history and immediate breastfeeding options.
Contrary to initial allegations, investigators found no evidence of an oxygen shortage at the facility. The hospital reportedly had 45 oxygen cylinders available at the time, and a clinical audit has been initiated to review each case, including timelines of arrival, diagnosis, and treatment provided to the children.
The Punjab government spokesperson stated that what triggered the arrests was not only the tragic loss of life but also the deliberate efforts by the hospital administration to cover up the facts. The inquiry reports indicated discrepancies in the accounts provided by hospital authorities and pointed to a lack of transparency and accountability.
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz vowed that no one involved in the tragedy would be spared. “There will be zero tolerance for negligence, especially in the healthcare sector,” she said. “The lives of our children are too precious to be lost due to carelessness or systemic failures.”
Meanwhile, three private hospitals have also been sealed as part of the ongoing investigation, and further action is expected as audit reports and inquiries progress. The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for reform in both public and private healthcare sectors across the province.
