KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has opened a formal inquiry into the death of 57-year-old patient Mrs. Jamila during treatment at Darul Sehat Hospital after police referred the case to determine whether any medical negligence was involved.
According to the commission, an SHCC inspection team will visit the hospital to review the circumstances surrounding the case, examine relevant medical records and begin the regulatory inquiry. The investigation comes after police sought the commission's assistance, as the SHCC is the statutory authority empowered to investigate complaints related to healthcare services and allegations of medical negligence in Sindh.
SHCC begins formal regulatory proceedings
In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission said it had officially commenced proceedings into the case and would follow the legal and technical process prescribed under the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act.
As part of the inquiry, inspectors will examine the available evidence, review treatment records and take custody of relevant documents where required.
Following the preliminary assessment, the commission will constitute an independent expert board comprising specialists from the relevant medical discipline to evaluate the clinical aspects of the case.
The SHCC said formal hearings will then be conducted, during which both the complainants and the hospital will be given an opportunity to present their respective positions before the expert panel.
The commission emphasized that such investigations are conducted on technical and scientific grounds rather than public opinion, with findings based on medical evidence, hospital documentation and information provided through the police investigation.
Officials added that the hospital has also been asked to submit its report so the commission can determine the appropriate specialists to include on the expert board.
Once all stages of the inquiry are completed, the commission said its final decision will be communicated in writing to both parties.
How the case unfolded
According to Darul Sehat Hospital, Mrs. Jamila died in the intensive care unit after undergoing a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure on July 21.
The circumstances surrounding her death prompted police involvement, following which the case was referred to the Sindh Healthcare Commission for a technical and independent investigation.
Hospital alleges attack after patient's death
In a statement issued after the incident, Darul Sehat Hospital said the patient's death was followed by an alleged attack on the hospital by an angry crowd.
According to the hospital, approximately 20 to 22 men and eight to 10 women entered the premises shortly after the patient's death. The hospital alleged that some individuals identified themselves as lawyers.
Darul Sehat Hospital claimed that doctors, nurses and security personnel were physically assaulted during the incident, while hospital property was extensively vandalized.
The hospital further alleged that the attackers removed a hospital recorder and other valuable equipment before leaving the premises.
Hospital management condemned the incident and called upon law enforcement authorities to take legal action against those responsible for the alleged assault, vandalism and theft.
Technical inquiry to determine medical facts
The commission's expert board will review clinical records, treatment decisions, operative details and other relevant evidence before reaching any conclusions on whether the care complied with established standards of medical practice or whether any negligence occurred.
The SHCC stressed that the inquiry has only begun and that no findings regarding responsibility or medical negligence have been reached at this stage.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify whether the patient's death resulted from recognized medical complications, any deviation from accepted standards of care, or other factors identified through the regulatory review.
As the inquiry proceeds, both the complainants and Darul Sehat Hospital will have the opportunity to present evidence before the commission reaches its final decision.
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