In a shocking incident, the roof of the female surgical ward at Gujrat’s Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital gave way, resulting in two fatalities and leaving 16 injured. The victims included both patients and hospital staff, underscoring the severity of the incident.
As the dust settled, the magnitude of the disaster became apparent. A total of 18 individuals, comprising hospital employees, female patients, and others seeking medical attention, trapped under the debris. Among the deceased were Aswad Bibi and Afzal, whose loss has sparked grief and indignation within the community.
The incident has raised serious questions about the hospital’s safety protocols, especially as renovation work was reportedly in progress at the time. The possibility of negligence has not ruled out, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Gujrat’s Deputy Commissioner, Safdar Hussain, has vowed to hold those accountable for any safety lapses or negligence. He assured that stringent measures would put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
Dr. Asif Mehmood, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, stated that all patients safely evacuated. He attributed the minor damage to the collapse of the ceiling in the corridor between the female surgical wards.
City Circle DSP Asad Ishaaq linked the collapse to negligence by the contractor overseeing the renovation works. He explained that while the ground floor was vacant, patients being treated on the first floor when the roof and a side wall collapsed.
In the meantime, the C&W Department has mobilized to assess the structural integrity of the hospital premises as rescue efforts continue. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also taken notice of the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability.
She has directed the health secretary to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and submit a comprehensive report, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the need for those responsible to held accountable.
