Two patients have died and multiple others suffered severe health complications after an apparent adverse reaction to an injection administered at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital. The incident has triggered an official inquiry, with authorities pledging accountability for the negligence.
Fatalities and Critical Cases
The first victim, a 31-year-old woman, passed away shortly after receiving the injection at the hospital’s Chest Surgery Ward. A second patient, 26-year-old Daulat Khan, also lost his life after experiencing severe complications. Seventeen other patients suffered reactions, three of whom were placed on ventilators. Hospital officials have since confirmed that the remaining patients are now out of danger.
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Immediate Response and Inquiry
Following the tragic deaths, hospital authorities swiftly halted the use of the suspected injection. An inquiry committee, led by Professor Dr. Israr-ul-Haq, has been formed to investigate the matter. The panel includes the chief pharmacist, deputy nursing officer, and additional medical superintendent (AMS) of Mayo Hospital.
Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique assured the public that those responsible would be held accountable. The Punjab Health Department has also launched a separate investigation into the incident. Initial reports suggest that the injection, which was supplied through the Punjab government, was not expired. However, concerns have been raised regarding whether the medical staff may have improperly diluted it before administering it to patients.
CM Maryam Nawaz Takes Action
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice of the incident, demanding a detailed report from the specialised healthcare secretary. She expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed hospital staff to provide the best possible treatment for those affected.
The tragedy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Mayo Hospital’s administration. Just days prior, CM Maryam Nawaz had conducted a surprise visit to the facility, uncovering widespread mismanagement. Patients complained about being forced to purchase medicines from outside the hospital despite ample stock, while some reported unhygienic conditions, including the presence of insects in wards.
Angered by the state of affairs, the chief minister ordered the removal of the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS), Prof. Faisal Masood, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Ahsan Noman, citing their incompetence. During the visit, she directly engaged with patients, some of whom shared distressing accounts of struggling to obtain essential medicines.
Financial Discrepancies and Negligence
Hospital records indicate that Mayo Hospital had substantial funds available for medical supplies. The facility had a budget of Rs1.5 billion, with an additional Rs220 million worth of medicines purchased through the Department of Specialised Healthcare. Moreover, the Punjab government recently allocated another Rs340 million for medicines.
Despite these resources, patients were still required to buy syringes, cannulas, and other medical essentials from private pharmacies. Investigations are now underway to determine whether mismanagement or corruption played a role in the crisis.
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The deaths have sparked public outrage, with many demanding strict action against those responsible. CM Maryam Nawaz has vowed that no negligence in patient care will be tolerated at government hospitals.