KARACHI: A young woman died awaiting treatment at the Memon Medical Institute (MMI) hospital in Safoora area of Karachi earlier this week, her family has claimed.
The woman, Nazia Solangi, was injured in a traffic accident in Sachal Goth on Friday night while pillion-riding on a motorbike along with her brother. She was critically injured and taken to the MMI hospital. However, the hospital staff refused to treat her and asked her brother to first deposit the hefty fee in advance of half a million.
Her brother said the hospital staff ignored his repeated pleas to admit her. He assured them to provide the required amount to no avail and doctors refused to treat her at the health facility. An hour later, Nazia was referred to the Civil Hospital without treatment but was proclaimed dead on arrival.
A large number of family members and neighbours staged a demonstration outside the MMI hospital on Wednesday accusing the health facility of delaying treatment that causing her death. They demanded the Sindh government take action against the hospital.
As a result of the protest, a severe traffic jam was seen on the roads connecting Safoora Chowrangi with the Super Highway. The protesters held the victim’s photographs and placards raised slogans against the private hospital’s management.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Karim Buksh Gabol also joined the protesters and called for suspending the administrator of the hospital. He also assured the protesters that he would address the matter in the assembly with Sindh chief minister.
A heavy contingent of law enforcers also reached the protest scene and tried to convince the protesters to disperse but the demonstration continued for at least eight hours. The victim’s father told media that the protest would continue until the authorities take action against the hospital administration and negligent staff.
A spokesperson for Sindh government said that the issue was being taken seriously and strict action would be taken against the hospital administration if they were found guilty in the inquiry.
