F.P. Report
LAHORE : At least 18 patients at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital suffered severe reactions from a substandard injection, with two losing their lives.
According to the hospital sources, the deceased have been identified as Noreen Bibi from Garhi Shahu, Lahore, and Daulat Khan from Shangla, Malakand.
Four other patients remained in critical condition. All affected individuals were under treatment in the hospital’s Ghari Ward.
Following the shocking incident, the hospital administration immediately halted the use of the controversial injection.
Punjab’s Minister for Health, Khawaja Salman Rafique, confirmed the fatalities and assured strict action against those responsible.
In response, Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood has formed an inquiry committee, appointing Professor of Medicine Dr Israr as convener, while Additional Secretary Technical Dr Hafiz Waseem will serve as a key member. The committee also includes senior pharmacy and drug-testing experts.
Meanwhile, Lahore police stated that no formal complaint has been received from the victims’ families.
However, in anticipation of protests, additional police forces have been deployed around the hospital.
It is pertinent to mention that this tragedy occurred just days after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit and directives to remove Mayo Hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Faisal Masood and CEO Ahsen Noman on March 6, 2025. Professor Hamid Haroon was appointed as the new CEO, while Dr Ahtesham-ul-Haq took over as MS.
The very next day, on March 7, CM Maryam Nawaz allocated Rs 340 million to the hospital for purchasing essential medicines and permitted the utilisation of vacant position funds for medicine procurement. However, despite the additional budget, reports suggest that Mayo Hospital had not been effectively utilising funds for medical supplies.
On the same day, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore strongly condemned what it described as the “humiliation” of Mayo Hospital’s former MS during the CM’s visit. PMA officials criticised the CM for her “insulting attitude” toward the hospital administration and raised concerns over favouritism in key appointments, claiming that the province’s healthcare sector is suffering due to “the worst kind of privatisation.”
CM Maryam takes notice
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took serious notice of two deaths from substandard injections at Mayo Hospital.
She directed Secretary Health Specialized Healthcare to submit a detailed report to him about the incident on priority basis.
The chief minister also expressed her heartfelt condolence and sorrow to the families of the deceased patients.
Maryam Nawaz directed relevant officials to take strict action against persons who are responsible in such kind of negligence and carelessness.
The Chief Minister directed to provide best medical treatment to all patients who are admitted in the hospital.
