KARACHI: Police have shed light on a bizarre incident at a private hospital in Nazimabad. The case involved a woman who allegedly claimed she was pregnant.
The woman, identified as Zubia, wife of Rashid, arrived at the hospital for delivery. However, medical staff discovered during the procedure that there was no baby.
The incident sparked anger among the woman’s family members. They reportedly protested and allegedly damaged parts of the hospital.
Police later investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident. They said there was no evidence confirming that Zubia had been pregnant.
Woman Allegedly Faked Pregnancy
According to police, Zubia had been distressed about remaining childless after marriage. Investigators said she had suffered a miscarriage around a year earlier.
Police alleged that she subsequently began presenting herself as pregnant. They said she feared facing taunts from family members over having no child.
Investigators further alleged that she submitted a fabricated ultrasound report. The report was reportedly added to her hospital file.
Police said Zubia arrived at the hospital on August 27. She reportedly claimed that she had completed 38 weeks of pregnancy.
However, the hospital administration later raised questions about the documents. Officials said an earlier ultrasound dated February 16 had not confirmed pregnancy.
The woman reportedly arrived with another ultrasound dated August 8. Hospital officials alleged that this document carried forged signatures and a fake hospital stamp.
Hospital Staff Accused of Negligence
Police also raised concerns about the hospital’s handling of the case. They alleged that staff admitted the woman without conducting necessary medical tests.
According to police, the woman remained admitted for around eight hours. She was reportedly given medicines during that period.
Hospital officials said the woman’s condition appeared unstable when she arrived. She was reportedly experiencing pain, prompting doctors to decide on an immediate operation.
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The subsequent discovery that there was no baby raised serious questions. Police said the investigation also revealed possible criminal negligence by hospital staff.
SSP Central Dr Imran Khan said the hospital’s alleged negligence had emerged during the investigation. Police said relevant evidence had been collected as part of the probe.
Woman Undergoes Medical Examination
Police said Zubia underwent a medical examination during the investigation. They also said she admitted during questioning that she had lied about being pregnant.
According to investigators, she fabricated the pregnancy because of fears over social pressure. Her reported concerns were linked to being childless after marriage.
Police said the investigation had collected evidence concerning the alleged deception. The findings will help determine the legal course of action.
Healthcare Commission Calls for Clinical Investigation
The Sindh Healthcare Commission also commented on the incident. Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ahsan Qavi, said the commission could investigate complaints against hospitals.
He said police could register a first information report when a criminal complaint existed. However, he stressed that clinical investigations were outside the police’s authority.
According to Qavi, a clinical audit was already underway. He urged relevant institutions to refer the case to the Sindh Healthcare Commission.
The commission would then investigate the complaint and establish the medical facts. This process could also determine whether the hospital breached required medical procedures.
Hospital Closure Requires Due Process
Qavi also addressed calls for the hospital to be sealed. He said a hospital could not be closed simply because someone requested it.
He said he had received telephone calls demanding that the facility be sealed. However, regulatory action must follow the relevant legal and investigative process.
The case has raised questions about both alleged patient deception and hospital procedures. Authorities are now expected to establish responsibility through medical and legal investigations.
The incident also highlights the importance of verifying medical records before major procedures. A proper clinical assessment can help prevent serious errors and unnecessary complications.
