Officials from the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) have launched a thorough investigation into a recent tragic incident that occurred during a routine ankle surgery at a private health facility in the city. The patient’s death has prompted the IHRA to take swift action, leading to the sealing of one operation theatre. The hospital administration and surgeon Dr. Fareedullah Zimri have been summoned to explain their roles in the ongoing probe.
A Heartbreaking Incident Unraveled
On July 12, 2023, 54-year-old Muhammad Sajid underwent ankle surgery at an orthopedic health facility after suffering a fracture. Tragically, during the procedure, Sajid experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and despite the medical team’s efforts to revive him, he passed away.
Seeking Answers and Accountability
Sajid’s grief-stricken son filed a formal complaint with the healthcare authority, demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the true causes behind his father’s untimely demise. The complainant asserts that the hospital administration neglected to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s suitability for the surgery, raising questions about the facility’s standard of care.
Lapses in Communication and Emergency Response
The family was also deeply distressed by the hospital’s failure to promptly inform them of the patient’s critical condition during the surgical procedure. Attempts to summon another anesthetist from PIMS Islamabad proved futile, as Sajid passed away before further assistance could arrive.
Revealing Unseen Gaps in Hospital Practices
The private hospital in question is registered with the IHRA, yet it was shocking to discover that its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) remained unused, raising concerns about the facility’s preparedness to handle emergencies.
Learning from Tragedy: Towards a Safer Future
This heart-wrenching incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive medical evaluations before all surgical procedures. Moreover, effective and transparent communication with patients and their families during medical emergencies is of utmost importance. The IHRA‘s ongoing investigation has drawn attention from the healthcare community and the public, who eagerly await its findings and hope for essential lessons to be learned to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
