SAHIWAL: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif conducted a four-hour-long inquiry at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital following the tragic deaths of 11 children, ordering the suspension and arrest of the hospital’s Principal, Medical Superintendent (MS), Additional Medical Superintendent (AMS), and Admin Officer.
The Chief Minister reprimanded health department officials, emphasizing the need for accountability and urging them to empathize with the grieving parents of the deceased children.
Investigations revealed that the hospital’s fire extinguishers had expired in April and were not replaced despite notifications, with local media reporting that the extinguishers were treated as decorative items and not utilized in emergencies.
The situation at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital remains tense as clashes erupted between doctors and police. Police arrested Principal Medical College Imran Hasan, MS Teaching Hospital Akhtar Mehboob, Dr. Umar, and Dr. Usman, but faced resistance from the doctors. The confrontation led to police using batons against the protesting doctors before eventually arresting the four accused officials.
On Saturday, a devastating fire broke out in the pediatric medicine ward of Sahiwal Teaching Hospital due to a short circuit in the air conditioning system, resulting in the deaths of 11 children. However, 74 were rescued by parents, hospital staff, security personnel, and Rescue 1122 teams.
