Hospital Coordination Urgently Set Up After Patient Death Due to Resource Shortages

Following the untimely death of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) worker Anjum Iqbal Mughal, who reportedly succumbed due to a lack of a ventilator at Holy Family Hospital and inadequate coordination with Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, authorities are now taking proactive measures to prevent such negligence. The three major hospitals have set up an immediate WhatsApp coordination group.

In Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, a park has been renamed in honor of the late worker. Sources indicate that senior PML-N official Anjum Iqbal Mughal was brought to Holy Family Hospital on February 23 last month, severely ill and requiring urgent medical attention. Despite his condition being critical, no ventilator was available at the hospital due to an urgent need, and timely coordination wasn’t established with Benazir Bhutto General Hospital regarding ventilator availability.

When Mughal’s situation worsened, he was transferred to Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, but unfortunately, died during the transfer. An inquiry committee formed by Holy Family Hospital’s Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt confirmed that negligence occurred in coordinating ventilator availability with Benazir Bhutto General Hospital. Following these findings, a WhatsApp coordination group comprising focal persons from all three hospitals has been established to ensure timely and effective communication regarding ICU patients.

The Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi directed the Rawalpindi Parks and Horticulture Authority to renovate a local park in Union Council 11, naming it after Mughal. Managing Director Ahmed Hassan Ranjha of the Parks and Horticulture Authority stated that funds had been released by the federal minister for the renovation and upgradation of parks in the city. The park in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed Union Council 11 has been approved for renaming, with a signboard bearing Mughal’s name to be installed upon completion.

Meanwhile, to address critical health needs in Hazara Division, a modern Stroke and Acute Chest Pain Unit has been set up at Ayub Medical Complex. This unit includes a six-bed state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced monitors and medical facilities designed to provide immediate treatment for patients suffering from stroke or heart attacks. The emergency department is now equipped with TPA injections for stroke patients, a critical advancement in saving lives.

Hospital Director Dr Sajjad Ahmed Afridi noted that the TPA injection is crucial due to its rapid availability within hours of a stroke occurrence and can significantly improve patient outcomes if administered promptly. Despite being expensive, the timely availability of such injections represents a life-saving opportunity across Hazara Division.

In summary, authorities are now leveraging technology to enhance coordination among major hospitals while renaming parks in honor of fallen workers. Additionally, new units focusing on acute care for stroke victims have been established to save lives and prevent disability.