On May 31, 2025, authorities sealed Toheed Medical Complex in Sadiqabad, located in the Rahim Yar Khan district, after an investigation revealed that doctors had performed unnecessary appendix surgeries on 22 children in a significant case of medical negligence.
The Sadiqabad hospital negligence incident, sparked by public outrage on social media, prompted an investigation that uncovered unethical practices.
The unnecessary appendix surgeries occurred at Toheed Medical Complex in Tallo Bangla Chak 212, where children with abdominal pain underwent appendectomies. A three-member inquiry committee found no infectious disease outbreak in the area, confirming that 22 of 28 examined children had unwarranted surgeries. The report noted that all children were stable post-examination, while four others treated at THQ Hospital showed no abnormalities and required only medication.
Sadiqabad hospital performs appendix surgeries on 28 children in misdiagnosis case
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The committee’s inspection revealed significant violations at Toheed Medical Complex. These included the absence of a Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) license, inadequate conditions in the operating theatre, and a lack of infection control measures, such as OT swab cultures. Additionally, poor cleanliness and failure to properly segregate materials exacerbated the medical negligence issues in Punjab. As a result, the committee recommended the immediate closure of the facility and referred the case to the PHC for further investigation by the Punjab Healthcare Commission Act.
The child surgeries in Pakistan case gained traction after viral social media posts, leading to swift action by authorities. The sealing of the hospital underscores efforts to address medical malpractice, with ongoing probes to hold those responsible accountable.