FAISALABAD - Alleged poor security arrangements at Allied Hospital-I came under scrutiny after relatives of an injured child allegedly assaulted hospital staff and vandalised property following a dispute over delayed diagnostic services during a power outage.
Incident Details
According to hospital sources, the incident occurred around 10:30pm on Friday when 11-year-old Rehan, injured in a motorcycle accident, was brought to the Surgical Emergency Ward of Allied Hospital-I. After an initial examination, doctors advised an abdominal X-ray. The child’s attendants took him to the Mehar Shamim Radiology Block, where Block Manager Rana Tajammal reportedly informed them that electricity supply had been disrupted due to heavy rainfall and that they would have to wait until power was restored.
Sources said the attendants insisted that the X-ray be conducted immediately using a generator. However, radiology staff explained that the backup generator was only capable of providing essential lighting and did not have sufficient capacity to operate the X-ray machine. The disagreement soon escalated into a heated argument, after which several individuals allegedly assaulted radiology staff members and damaged hospital property. Hospital officials immediately contacted Police Helpline 15, but the alleged attackers reportedly fled the scene along with the injured child before police arrived.
Security Lapses and SOPs
Sources maintained that emergency ward standard operating procedures require the availability of backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted medical services during outages, particularly for emergency patients requiring urgent treatment. They alleged that the hospital administration’s failure to make adequate alternative arrangements contributed to the escalation of the situation.
Security personnel deployed in the emergency ward also failed to prevent the incident or protect hospital staff, according to sources. The episode triggered concern and anxiety among hospital employees.
Official Response
Taking notice of the matter, Medical Superintendent Allied Hospital-I Dr Faheem Yousaf issued a letter on June 13 to the in-charge of the hospital police post, directing action against those responsible. Director Emergency Dr Naveed Anwar also submitted a written complaint to the SHO of Civil Lines Police Station. Sources further claimed that a police official was allegedly involved in the incident, which they said may have contributed to the delay in legal proceedings.
When contacted, SHO Civil Lines Police Station Attique Shah said he was unaware whether any formal application had been received against the suspects. City Police spokesperson Muhammad Tariq stated that legal action would be initiated after receipt of a complaint, adding that no application had so far reached the police. Repeated attempts were made to obtain the version of Medical Superintendent Dr Faheem Yousaf, but he did not respond to calls. Ewing Hall to be restored as heritage building.
