Pakpattan Hospital Tragedy: DHQ MS and CEO Arrested After Death of 20 Children

On the direct orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, two senior health officials at District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Pakpattan were arrested on Saturday in connection with the deaths of 20 children over a six-day period.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Adnan Ghafar and CEO Health Dr. Sohail were taken into custody from the hospital after the Chief Minister made an unannounced visit. Police also registered a first information report (FIR) against both officials, citing negligence and alleged efforts to conceal the truth.

The children died between June 16 and June 22, sparking public outrage. Grieving families claimed medical negligence and a lack of oxygen cylinders at the hospital.

However, early findings from the Punjab Health Department and the Commissioner of Sahiwal reveal a more complicated situation. According to officials, 15 of the deceased infants were brought in from private hospitals in critical condition. The remaining five deaths were reportedly caused by mishandled births conducted by untrained midwives in non-medical settings.

It was also noted that in many cases, the mothers were not brought along with the infants during transfers, making treatment even more challenging for the hospital’s medical staff.

Contrary to the oxygen shortage claims, investigators confirmed the hospital had 45 oxygen cylinders available. A detailed clinical audit was carried out for each case, tracking the timeline of treatment from arrival to final outcome.

Despite the clarification, the Punjab government stated that hospital authorities attempted to hide crucial details about the children’s deaths. This alleged cover-up prompted the swift arrests.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has pledged full accountability. “There will be no tolerance for negligence, especially in healthcare,” she said, adding that strict action will be taken against those found responsible.