Patient’s death at JPMC sparks outrage over alleged medical negligence

KARACHI: A wave of grief and anger swept through the aggrieved family after the death of a 17-year-old patient, Nisar Ali, at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. The family alleges that delayed treatment and the unavailability of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed—despite reports of vacant beds—led to the young patient’s tragic demise.

According to relatives, Nisar was battling a severe respiratory condition and required urgent ICU care. The attending doctors acknowledged the need for immediate transfer to the ICU, but the shift allegedly never happened due to administrative delays, sparking allegations of negligence.

The family's sorrow quickly turned into frustration. As emotions ran high, an altercation occurred between family members and hospital staff inside the Medical ICU. Videos showing the confrontation circulated widely on social media, prompting widespread debate over the state of emergency healthcare in public hospitals.

In an act of protest, the grieving family placed Nisar’s body outside Saddar Police Station, demanding accountability and action.

The hospital administration, however, offered a different account. JPMC officials confirmed that the patient was suffering from a serious infection and had arrived at the facility in critical condition.

Healthcare activists and citizens have called for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The situation underlines the urgent need for structural reform, patient safety protocols, and transparent procedures in government-run hospitals.

If you or a loved one has experienced challenges in public healthcare facilities, share your story. It’s time to demand accountability and a safer system for all.