The Punjab government has launched a formal inquiry into the tragic deaths of 20 children at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Pakpattan. The children, mostly newborns, died over a span of one week, triggering nationwide concern over possible systemic failure and medical negligence.

Investigation Ordered After Alarming Mortality Surge

The deaths, which occurred between June 16 and June 22, 2025, have raised serious concerns regarding the functionality of the hospital’s pediatric ward, especially the availability of critical medical infrastructure such as oxygen supply systems and emergency support.

The Health Department has formed an independent inquiry committee comprising pediatric experts and technical health professionals. This external panel is tasked with determining the causes behind the fatalities and whether any lapses in duty, equipment failure, or procedural errors contributed to the tragedy.

Scope of the Inquiry

The inquiry will cover the following key areas:

  • Oxygen Supply and Biomedical Systems: Investigation into whether equipment malfunction or disruption in oxygen delivery occurred.
  • Medical Staff Response and Emergency Protocols: Evaluation of hospital response time, staff training, and adherence to emergency care standards.
  • Patient Admission Conditions: Examination of the critical conditions in which children were admitted and how they were handled.
  • Hospital Recordkeeping and Documentation: Review of medical records to assess if proper protocols were followed.

Contradictions in Preliminary Reports

An earlier internal review claimed that most of the children were in critical condition prior to admission and absolved the staff of direct negligence. However, the new independent investigation seeks to deliver a transparent and unbiased assessment, especially after public demands for greater accountability and clarity.

Objectives and Expected Reforms

The external committee is expected to submit its findings within five days. The outcomes will likely lead to:

  • Accountability of responsible personnel, if any negligence is identified.
  • Recommendations for urgent hospital infrastructure upgrades, particularly for pediatric care units.
  • Implementation of standardized emergency protocols across all DHQ hospitals in Punjab.
  • Improved training and monitoring of staff handling neonatal and pediatric emergencies.

Conclusion

This tragic incident has exposed potential weaknesses in Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and district-level hospitals. The government’s decision to initiate a high-level, independent inquiry is a crucial step toward ensuring justice for affected families and restoring public confidence in the public health system. The findings of this investigation may also serve as a catalyst for broader healthcare reforms in pediatric emergency care across the province.