Child’s surgery turns into tragedy in Gujrat
A heartbreaking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Deona Mandi, a locality in Pakistan’s Gujrat district, where a routine circumcision procedure reportedly went wrong, causing severe injury to a young boy. In a related incident, a private clinic in Gujrat was recently sealed following reports of similar negligence during an infant’s circumcision.
According to local reports, the child’s family claims that due to the doctors’ negligence during the circumcision, the boy suffered the loss of a vital organ. The incident has sparked outrage in the community and raised renewed concerns about the regulation of small private clinics in rural Punjab.
Family moves Lahore High Court for justice
Seeking justice, the boy’s father, Muhammad Rafiq, has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court through his counsel, Advocate Hafiz Ubaid-ur-Rehman. The petition names the Punjab Healthcare Commission and other relevant authorities as respondents, urging the court to take action against those responsible.
The petitioner stated that following the incident, a formal complaint was submitted to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the country’s main medical regulatory body. However, despite several weeks passing, the council has not issued any decision or disciplinary action against the clinic or the doctors involved.
Appeal for medical assistance and accountability
Muhammad Rafiq informed the court that the botched procedure left his child with serious physical harm requiring specialized medical treatment abroad. However, due to financial constraints, the family is unable to afford the costs of overseas surgery or rehabilitation.
In his plea, he requested the court to direct the PMDC to expedite its pending inquiry and take appropriate disciplinary measures against the medical practitioners found negligent. He also urged the court to order immediate assistance for his child’s medical treatment.
Broader concerns about medical oversight
This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding medical negligence and weak oversight in Pakistan’s private healthcare sector. According to the Punjab Healthcare Commission, hundreds of unregistered clinics and unqualified practitioners operate across the province, often performing sensitive procedures without proper training or equipment.
Public health advocates have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring and legal accountability to prevent such tragedies. The Lahore High Court’s decision in this case could set an important precedent for holding negligent medical practitioners accountable in Pakistan.
