SHCC to investigate alleged missing newborn case at Nazimabad hospital

KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) will investigate an alleged missing newborn case involving a private hospital’s gynaecology ward in Nazimabad, after receiving an official complaint from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central.

The complaint was submitted through an official letter from SSP Central requesting the Commission’s support in investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The case came to public attention after a family alleged that a newborn went missing following a delivery procedure at the private hospital, while the hospital administration denied that a baby had been born.

According to media reports published after the incident, the woman’s family said she had undergone pregnancy-related checkups, follow-ups, tests and ultrasounds and was scheduled for delivery on Aug. 27. The family alleged that an operation was performed but that they were subsequently told no baby had been born.

Police and medical findings add new dimension to case

A subsequent development reported by media outlets said a medical examination and medico-legal report found no evidence that the woman was pregnant. The Express Tribune, citing SSP District Central Dr. Imran Khan, reported that the investigation had found no evidence of pregnancy and that the ultrasound report presented by the woman was considered suspicious and unauthenticated.

Separately, Dr. Anjum Ara Hassan, head of the hospital’s gynaecology department, said medical examinations conducted after the procedure indicated that the woman was not pregnant. She said, “After the operation, it was found that the woman was not pregnant.” She also alleged that some examination entries in the hospital file had been fabricated.

The conflicting accounts and findings form part of the circumstances surrounding the case that the relevant authorities are examining.

SHCC to form technical board

The SHCC said it is mandated, as a quasi-judicial forum, to conduct independent inquiries into matters related to healthcare establishments.

The Commission will constitute a technical board comprising senior medical experts to conduct a thorough investigation.

According to the SHCC, the board will evaluate the available evidence, record statements from both parties, concerned staff and witnesses, and prepare findings and recommendations.

The inquiry is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported missing newborn case and examine the evidence relevant to the complaint.

Final report due within 120 days

The SHCC said that, in accordance with the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013, the final report is to be concluded within 120 days.

However, the Commission said it will make every effort to complete the investigation and submit its findings as soon as possible.

The SHCC’s technical inquiry will therefore proceed separately from the information and findings already reported by police and medical authorities.

SHCC says complainant and witness information will remain confidential
The Commission said that, in accordance with safety and confidentiality protocols, information relating to complainants, witnesses and other parties will be kept confidential.

Such information will not be disclosed to the public at any stage of the probe, according to the SHCC.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to patient safety, accountability and transparency in healthcare delivery across Sindh.

The findings and recommendations of the technical board will determine the outcome of the SHCC’s inquiry into the case.

For now, the original allegation of a missing newborn and the subsequent medical findings remain part of an investigation involving the police, medical authorities and the SHCC.

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