Man attacks doctors after child dies

PESHAWAR: Doctors and medical staff at the Child Emergency Department of Lady Reading Hospital were assaulted after a child died while under treatment, prompting the hospital to register a police case and order an inquiry into the incident.

According to information cited by hospital authorities, the child was brought to the hospital on Tuesday evening after his condition worsened due to a serious illness. The patient was said to be suffering from severe dehydration, abdominal swelling and continuous vomiting. Medical staff began treatment immediately, but the child did not survive.

After the death, the child’s father allegedly attacked the doctors and other staff members on duty. A video of the incident later circulated widely on social media, showing scenes of disorder inside the emergency department.

Hospital authorities then lodged a First Information Report and called the police. An official inquiry into the episode was also initiated. Later reports indicated that the father apologised to the medical staff when he was taken into custody.

Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim condemned the incident and said violence against healthcare workers could not be accepted. "Attacks on doctors and medical staff are unacceptable. The child was brought in critical condition, and despite all efforts, he could not be saved. Security personnel are deployed to protect medical staff, but such acts of aggression are deeply regrettable," he lamented.

Asim also said that after talks between the child’s father and the hospital administration, the matter was settled.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the security of doctors and other healthcare workers at public hospitals in Pakistan.