Qazi Medical Complex: Probe into denial of treatment to elderly couple launched

NOWHSERA: An elderly couple injured by gunfire faced mistreatment at Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex and despite their severe injuries, doctors and paramedics in the emergency department denied them medical treatment due to the absence of an attendant.

A doctor, on duty at the time, reprimanded the rescue worker who brought them in. A video of the incident also went viral on social media.The couple, Shah Sawar and his wife Rubina, hailing from Hakimabad area, were attacked at home by four assailants over a Rs4,000 debt. The injured man reported to the police that the attackers shot them when they could not repay the money.

Neighbours called Rescue 1122, who transported the couple to the hospital, but the duty doctor refused to treat them, causing prolonged suffering.Hospital Director Kamran Hakeem has formed an inquiry committee, led by Prof Sardar Suhail Afsar, to investigate and report within two days. The couple were later shifted to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar for surgery. Rescue 1122 personnel also condemned the hospital staff’s behaviour, noting it as a recurring issue. A similar incident occurred recently at Mian Rashid Hussain Shaheed Hospital in Pabbi.