KARACHI: Police have said there is no evidence that a newborn disappeared from a private hospital in Nazimabad, claiming that a woman admitted for delivery had allegedly fabricated her pregnancy and submitted a forged ultrasound report.
The case surfaced after the woman, identified as Zubia, wife of Rashid, was brought to the hospital on August 27 for an alleged delivery. Hospital staff reportedly discovered during the procedure that she was not pregnant.
The incident prompted protests by the woman’s family, who allegedly vandalised parts of the hospital after being informed that there was no newborn.
According to police, Zubia had registered herself in the hospital’s gynaecology ward and submitted an ultrasound report that was allegedly fabricated.
Police said the woman had previously suffered a miscarriage and had become concerned about facing taunts from family members over being childless. Investigators alleged that she subsequently began presenting herself as pregnant.
Police allege forged medical report
Police said Zubia arrived at the hospital after claiming to have completed 38 weeks of pregnancy.
According to the investigation, an ultrasound report dated August 8 was submitted at the hospital. Police alleged that the document carried forged signatures of a doctor and a forged hospital stamp.
Hospital administration also reported that an earlier ultrasound dated February 16 had not confirmed a pregnancy.
The hospital said the woman was experiencing pain and was in an unstable condition when she arrived, prompting doctors to decide on an immediate operation.
During the procedure, however, staff discovered that there was no baby.
Police said the woman remained admitted for approximately eight hours and was given medicines during that period.
SSP Central Dr Imran Khan said investigators had collected evidence and that the woman had undergone a medical examination.
According to police, she admitted during questioning that she had claimed to be pregnant because she feared being taunted for not having a child.
Hospital negligence also under investigation
Police said the investigation also identified alleged negligence by hospital staff for admitting the woman without conducting the necessary medical tests.
SSP Central Dr Imran Khan said the hospital’s handling of the case would also be examined as part of the investigation.
The allegations of negligence are separate from the police claim that the woman had fabricated her pregnancy and submitted a forged medical report.
Sindh Healthcare Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahsan Qavi said the commission had jurisdiction to investigate complaints involving hospitals.
He said police could register an FIR but that medical investigations and clinical assessments fell within the healthcare regulator’s authority.
Qavi said a clinical audit was being conducted and urged the relevant institutions to refer the case to the Sindh Healthcare Commission so that the facts could be established.
He also said a hospital could not be sealed simply on the basis of demands from individuals, noting that he had received calls seeking the closure of the facility.
The investigation will determine the facts surrounding the alleged forged report, the woman’s admission and the hospital’s medical procedures, as well as whether any criminal or regulatory action is warranted.