The Health Department and Commissioner Sahiwal have released initial findings into the deaths of 20 newborns at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Pakpattan.
According to the Health Department’s preliminary report, the majority of the infants who died were not born at the government hospital.
Instead, 15 of the 20 newborns were delivered at private, unregistered maternity homes or by untrained midwives (nurses).
These children were brought to the DHQ Hospital only after their conditions had deteriorated significantly. The report further notes that five of the deaths were directly linked to the unsafe practices of untrained nurses.
In several cases, the mothers were not present when the infants were admitted, complicating emergency care and documentation.
Contrary to some early allegations, the report states there was no evidence of an oxygen shortage at the DHQ Hospital.
Officials confirmed that 45 oxygen cylinders were available and in working order at the time of the incidents.
A clinical audit of the arrival and treatment times for the affected children has also been completed. The findings will be presented to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during her visit to Pakpattan.
In response to the tragedy, the district administration has sealed several illegal and unregistered maternity homes and shut down the operation theaters of four private hospitals.
These facilities were found to be operating without registration from the Punjab Healthcare Commission and lacked qualified staff.
The crackdown was led by Deputy Director Health Dr. Ahmad Salman, and Deputy Commissioner Maria Tariq confirmed the closures.
Meanwhile, a high-level external inquiry committee, including medical professionals and a biomedical engineer from Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, has been formed to investigate the deaths further.
The committee is tasked with probing any systemic shortcomings, including hospital protocols, staff coverage, and emergency response procedures. The findings are expected within five days.
Despite the internal inquiry clearing the pediatric staff of direct negligence (except for poor documentation), families of the deceased and local advocates have raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
Many are calling for a fully independent investigation, public disclosure of all findings, and urgent reforms in neonatal care and emergency protocols.
The Punjab Health Department has pledged to introduce immediate interventions once technical deficiencies are confirmed. Several senior administrative officers from DHQ Hospital Pakpattan have already been relieved of their duties pending further investigation.