Karachi, Pakistan – Allegations have emerged against staff at Liaquat University Hospital’s (LUH) casualty ward, who reportedly refused to treat an unidentified man brought in by Edhi volunteers, citing that he was “too unclean” and needed to be bathed before receiving medical attention.
According to Mohammad Mukhtiar, the in-charge of the Edhi Centre, the incident unfolded when ambulance driver Tahir Ali discovered the man in a near-unconscious state at Hala Naka. His hand had been found lying in a sewage drain, and he was bleeding from the mouth, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Tahir, along with a worker from Rescue 1122, reportedly lifted the man from the street, obtained a police letter confirming the emergency, and rushed him to LUH. Despite the clear urgency, staff at the casualty ward allegedly delayed treatment, insisting that the man needed to be cleaned first.
The Edhi Centre staff expressed frustration over the hospital’s response, emphasizing that in emergency medical situations, any delay in treatment can be life-threatening. They condemned the refusal as “inhumane” and contrary to medical ethics.
Medical professionals argue that while hygiene and sanitation are important, emergency care should never be denied to a patient in critical condition. Experts emphasize that hospitals and healthcare providers have a moral and legal responsibility to treat patients immediately, regardless of their condition or cleanliness.
This incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many citizens criticizing the hospital for neglecting the ethical duty of care. Advocates for healthcare rights have called for an inquiry into the matter and demanded proper accountability for the alleged negligence.
As the situation stands, Edhi volunteers continue to provide first response care to vulnerable and marginalized individuals, highlighting the ongoing gaps in the public healthcare system. Observers argue that hospitals must strengthen their emergency protocols to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention without discrimination.
The LUH administration has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, leaving many questioning the accountability mechanisms within public hospitals and the treatment of emergency patients in critical conditions.
