THATTA: The Sindh government has suspended Dr. Muhammad Yamin Shah, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Makli in Thatta, and issued him a show-cause notice following allegations of negligence linked to the deaths of a woman and her newborn.
According to a suspension order issued on August 18, 2026, by the Services, General Administration & Coordination Department, Dr. Shah, a BS-19 officer, was suspended with immediate effect under Rule 5(1) of the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973.
During his suspension, Dr. Shah’s headquarters will remain at the Health Department in Karachi. He will continue to receive pay and allowances in accordance with applicable rules.
The action followed a complaint submitted by Hussain Bux, son of Ahmad Khan Bhanbhro, regarding the death of his sister, Rahila, wife of Shamshadin Bhanbhro.
According to the complaint, Rahila was admitted to Civil Hospital Thatta at around 1:00 a.m. and subsequently delivered a baby boy through normal delivery. The complaint alleged that the newborn died approximately 30 minutes after birth and that postpartum bleeding was not properly managed.
Rahila’s condition reportedly deteriorated before she died later the same morning.
Following the incident, the Health Department constituted an inquiry committee headed by the Deputy Director General of the Directorate General Health Services Sindh, Hyderabad, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The inquiry committee found that the medical superintendent, as head of the hospital, was responsible for overall management and supervision, including the gynecology ward. It concluded that Dr. Shah had failed to adequately organize and supervise the ward, resulting in serious shortcomings in medical facilities and patient care.
The inquiry characterized the alleged shortcomings as “misadministration and inefficiency.”
A show-cause notice signed by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah proposed disciplinary action against Dr. Shah under Rule 4 of the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973. The competent authority also determined that appointing another inquiry officer was not necessary.
Dr. Shah has been directed to submit a written response within 14 days of receiving the notice. The notice states that failure to respond within the specified period could result in an ex-parte decision. He has also been given the option of requesting a personal hearing.
In a follow-up letter dated August 19, 2026, the Health Department directed the District Health Officer Thatta to serve the show-cause notice on Dr. Shah and obtain a signed acknowledgment of receipt.
Copies of the suspension order were also sent to the Health Department, Accountant General Sindh, District Accounts Officer Thatta, Director General Health Services Sindh and other relevant departments.
The action has renewed concerns in Thatta over staffing levels, emergency obstetric services and administrative supervision at district-level hospitals.
Also Read :Boiled Eggs: Benefits, Risks & the Right Amount
Today's E-Paper