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QUETTA, Oct 7 (APP):Medical Superintendent (MS) of Civil Hospital Quetta, Dr Hadi Kakar, clarified during an emergency press conference that recent allegation of money being demanded from bereaved families for the handover of bodies, the hospital staff were not involved.
He informed that the individual responsible was a volunteer affiliated with a welfare organization, who has been dismissed.
Dr Hadi Kakar said that although accusations were initially directed at the Health Department and hospital personnel, a formal inquiry was initiated by the Balochistan Health Department under the directives of Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar that found no involvement of medical staff.
The hospital administration is now drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to regulate the activities of welfare organizations operating within its premises.
The incident occurred following the transfer of bodies to Civil Hospital after a tragic accident. Despite clear instructions from the Health Minister that all services be provided free of charge, the families of two victims—a father and son—reported being asked for money during the handover process.
Investigations revealed that a volunteer from a welfare organization had demanded the payment and later confessed. Dr Hadi Kakar emphasized that the Foundation’s contributions are widely respected and it is unjust to malign the entire organization due to the misconduct of one individual.
As a precaution, the foundation’s services at Civil Hospital have been temporarily suspended pending the implementation of new SOP’s.
To prevent future misunderstandings, the Health Minister has directed that all individuals within hospital premises be clearly identified, as the public often mistakes volunteers and assistants for official medical staff. Dr Hadi Kakar reaffirming that demanding money from grieving families violates the core ethical principles of healthcare, and any staff member found complicit will face strict disciplinary action.