The Supreme Court set aside a Balochistan High Court judgment regarding a medical negligence case and issued directions to improve oversight of public hospitals. A three-member bench, including Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, and Justice Shakeel Ahmad, decided the matter.
The court allowed a 2018 civil petition and connected civil appeal filed by Bibi Hanifa. Bibi Hanifa was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Pishin to deliver her eighth child.
She underwent a caesarean section on 20 November 2007. Medical sponges were discovered inside the abdomen of Hanifa during a subsequent operation.
The newborn child died the day after birth. Regular inspections and surprise visits to operating theatres in both public and private hospitals are now required by the court.
Doctors and nursing staff must receive regular training in infection prevention and patient safety. Newly qualified doctors are required to work under the supervision of qualified surgeons.
Relevant authorities must submit a compliance report through the Registrar within 90 days. Copies of the judgment were ordered to be sent to the health department, the Prime Minister’s Office and the healthcare commission.
