Karachi Newborn Loses Hand Following Alleged Medical Negligence
Karachi: A one-month-old baby has reportedly lost his hand following complications that his family has attributed to alleged medical negligence at a private hospital in Karachi.
Police have registered a case against a doctor and hospital staff at Pirabad police station, while an investigation into the incident is underway.
Family Alleges Improper Cannula Placement
According to the baby’s father, he took his son, Azmatullah, to a private hospital in Orangi Town on August 31 after the child became unwell.
The father alleged that Dr Yasir Inam directed hospital staff to insert a cannula into the baby’s hand and cover the area with a bandage.
He claimed that three staff members carried out the procedure and administered injections through the cannula on several occasions.
Baby’s Hand Turns Black
The father said he returned to the hospital four days later, when the bandage was removed and the baby’s hand appeared black.
He alleged that the doctor prescribed medication and advised the family that the infection would improve.
However, the child’s condition reportedly continued to deteriorate, prompting the family to seek treatment at Jinnah Hospital.
Hand Amputation Reportedly Required
The family claimed that doctors at Jinnah Hospital attributed the severe infection to an improperly inserted cannula and informed them that amputation of the affected hand was necessary.
The baby’s father has accused Dr Yasir Inam and three unidentified hospital staff members of negligence.
Police have also approached the relevant healthcare commission to assist with the investigation and determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s injury.
Hospital Administration Gives Its Position
The private hospital administration said the family had visited the facility in August and left after the cannula was inserted without informing hospital staff.
The administration said it only recently became aware that the child’s hand had been amputated. It added that the matter is being investigated internally and that the hospital is prepared to respond to any legal proceedings.
The investigation will determine the circumstances that led to the baby’s condition and whether any professional negligence occurred.
