By: Salman Yousafzai
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to implement regular clinical audits in government hospitals to address the increasing mortality rates. This initiative follows the dismissal of several doctors and the temporary closure of a ward at the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) due to a high mortality rate identified through a clinical audit in the cardiology ward.
Despite the province’s expenditure of billions of rupees annually on the health sector, the lack of progress in reducing mortality rates in government hospitals is concerning. Reports indicate that numerous patients and injured individuals are discharged from hospitals as deceased, especially in maternity and trauma cases.
In comparison to developed countries that prioritise trauma centres, doctors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa often overlook the trauma department due to a lack of incentives. Consequently, there is a notable shortage of trauma surgeons in the province.
Data from Khyber Teaching Hospital revealed that 122 deaths occurred there last year, while Lady Reading Hospital declined to share similar data, citing concerns that it would create a negative image in the media.
Health experts have criticised this practice of withholding data, describing it as troubling and unacceptable. They argue that legislative bodies can only implement reforms based on available data. When information about deaths is concealed, not only does it hinder system improvements, but it also leads to the loss of valuable lives and a lack of accountability.
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