Hospital-declared ‘dead’ child revives at home, dies again

GILGIT: In a tragic and mysterious twist of events, a child — who was initially declared dead after drowning in a tank near an under-construction hospital building in Astore — was reportedly revived at home, but tragically passed away again after being re-admitted to the hospital.

The incident took place at the old Eidgah Hospital, where a tank had been constructed for the doctor’s hostel. The tank, which had been left uncovered for over a year, became filled with wastewater and debris from nearby areas.

FIR against hospital, Rescue 11, contractor

According to a first information report (FIR) registered at the City Police Station in Astore, the incident occurred at 10:30am on Friday. A 12-year-old child, Azan Ali, son of Khadim Hussain, was playing near a self-made pool at the hospital area when he accidentally fell in.

Despite the desperate cries for help from bystanders for half an hour, the Rescue 1122 team, when called, claimed they couldn’t assist, citing a lack of ropes and stairs. Subsequently, a bystander named Iqbal jumped into the pool and managed to pull the child out.

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Azan was rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where the medical staff present declared him dead. However, after being taken home and given a bath, the child began to show signs of life, opening his eyes and attempting to move his legs. The child was immediately taken back to the hospital, but unfortunately, by then, he could not be revived.

The grieving family has nominated the contractors of the building, Rescue 1122, and DHQ Hospital in the FIR and demanded that charges for negligence and wrongful death be filed.

The family is seeking justice and accountability for what they believe was a lack of proper safety measures and response. However, after assurance from the Deputy Commissioner, they called off their protest.

Hospital rejects ‘baseless accusations’

The management of DHQ Hospital Astore has dismissed these accusations, saying that they do not support such baseless claims.

“Today, a child drowned in a tank near the doctor’s hostel at Astore. The rescue team promptly rescued the child and brought him to the hospital. By the time the child was brought to the hospital, he had already passed away. The responsibility for this incident is being directed towards the DHQ hospital staff. The hospital administration discourages such baseless accusations,” the hospital administration said in a statement.

‘Through investigation needed’

Speaking to HUM News English, Astore DC Muhammad Awais said that he had met with the family and assured them of justice if any negligence was found during the investigation.

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“The family told me they want justice and agreed to the formation of an investigation team. A first information report (FIR) has been registered based on their complaint—which was their right — and an investigation team has been constituted. The team will submit its report by Monday,” he said, adding that no one would be spared if negligence was uncovered during the probe.

The DC clarified that the tank in question was a safety tank located within the under-construction hospital building, in which water had accumulated due to leakage from surrounding areas. Awais said the tank was within a boundary wall, but the children somehow managed to enter the premises, and one of them fell into the tank.

He noted that the family was blaming Rescue 1122, hospital staff, and the building contractor, making the matter more complex and requiring a thorough investigation.