In Pakpattan, health authorities have sealed five unregistered maternity homes and four hospital operating theatres following the tragic deaths of 20 children most under 28 days old at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) between June 16 and 22. The decision targets facilities without proper licences or qualified staff, believed to be referring critically ill newborns to DHQ in deteriorated condition.

Facilities Raided and Sealed

  • Private Maternity Homes Closed:
    • Maternity Home (Pul Bahmni)
    • Al‑Farid Medicare Hospital (DHQ Road)
    • Bashir Maternity Home (Hota Road)
    • Dastagir Hospital (Chowk Ariyan)
    • Imran Maternity Home (Sikander Chowk)
  • Hospital Theatres Sealed:
    • Doctor Hospital (Green Town)
    • Shahid Hospital
    • Ali Hospital
    • MMC Hospital

Each facility lacked registration with the Punjab Healthcare Commission and employed unqualified staff, prompting immediate action.

Background of the Tragedy

  • Timing of Fatalities: 20 newborns and infants died between June 16 and 22 in the DHQ pediatric ward.
  • Internal Inquiry Findings: Preliminary investigation concluded that infants were brought in already in critical condition, absolving pediatric staff though deficiencies in record‑keeping were noted.
  • Record Concerns: The DHQ death register went missing after the incident, raising serious concerns over transparency and accountability.

Government Response and Investigation

  • Five-Member External Committee: Appointed to investigate circumstances and identify any healthcare lapses; findings expected within a few days.
  • Official Inspections: Punjab Chief Secretary conducted an onsite inspection, met with affected families, and pledged infrastructural improvements.
  • Administrative Actions: Internal inquiry overturned; five administrative officers from DHQ were asked to step aside in light of deficiencies found during preliminary investigations.

Public Health Implications

  • Rising Newborn Mortality: Neonatal deaths highlight systemic failures in quality maternal and newborn healthcare.
  • Regulatory Gaps Exposed: The operation revealed the prevalence of unlicensed, unsafe facilities across Punjab.
  • Urgent Call for Reform: Officials emphasised the need for stricter licencing, credential verification, record transparency, and parental protection initiatives.

What Comes Next

  • Complete Inquiry Awaited: External committee’s report will guide possible legal, administrative, and systemic reforms.
  • Inspection Campaigns: Punjab Healthcare Commission will inspect maternity homes province‑wide to ensure compliance.
  • Improving Care Standards: DHQ infrastructure and staffing are set for upgrades to prevent critical-condition referrals and fatalities.
  • Family Redress: Officials have committed to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring official statements are properly recorded.