A 28-year-old man died during surgery at a private hospital in Pakpattan, prompting protests by his relatives and an official inquiry into allegations surrounding his treatment.
Muhammad Imran, a resident of Malik Pura in Pakpattan, had initially been admitted to the hospital after complaining of kidney pain. According to reporting by Dawn, medical investigations reportedly identified kidney stones, after which he underwent a minor laser procedure and was discharged.
Imran returned to the hospital the following night after experiencing severe pain and was subsequently taken into the operating theatre. His family alleges that doctors removed one of his kidneys during the procedure and that he died during the operation.
The family further alleged that doctors, hospital owners and paramedical staff left the facility after his death, leaving his body inside the operating theatre. Relatives reportedly entered the theatre after waiting for an extended period and said they found Imran’s body along with what they believed was the removed kidney inside a small plastic container. These claims remain allegations and have not yet been established by an official inquiry.
The incident triggered anger among family members and relatives, who damaged hospital property, broke windows and blocked a road in protest.
Dr Faiza Kanwal, chief executive officer of the District Health Authority, visited the hospital following the incident. She confirmed that the private facility was registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and said an official inquiry would be conducted to determine the facts and establish responsibility.
Imran’s body was initially shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for an autopsy. However, sources cited by Dawn said the family ultimately decided not to proceed with the post-mortem examination and took the body for burial.
The absence of an autopsy could make the official investigation particularly important in establishing the circumstances surrounding Imran’s death and determining whether the medical procedure was conducted appropriately.
For now, allegations that his kidney was improperly removed or that medical negligence caused his death should remain clearly attributed to the family until investigators establish what occurred.
The District Health Authority says the case will be examined according to official procedures, with responsibility to be determined on the basis of the inquiry.
