Cough syrup deaths: inquiry body to review case on scientific lines: chief minister

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that an inquiry committee to review the incident, cough syrup deaths in Shahdra, on scientific lines and due punishment will be awarded to the elements responsible for this tragedy. He said that human life is precious and for the purpose of holding of a comprehensive inquiry from every angle, Punjab government has sent the samples of the syrup and other evidence to the Forensic Lab and Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL).
He was presiding over a meeting to review the incident of deaths due to taking of cough syrup, on Wednesday. Special Assistant Khawaja Salman Rafique, Chairman Chief Minister's Inspection Team, Professor Dr Faisal Masood and former DIG and consultant PCL Chung Major Mubasherullah (Retd) as well as concerned authorities were present. Addressing to the meeting, the Chief Minister said that death due to cough syrup in Shahdra was a tragic incident and Punjab government is holding an inquiry into the matter on scientific lines.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to obtain the test reports of the samples of the syrup and other evidence from the Forensic Lab and DTL as soon as possible for taking further action in the light of the inquiry report.
The Chief Minister directed that biological test of the cough syrup should immediately be arranged and every effort should be made for saving the lives of other affected persons who are under treatment in hospitals. The Chief Minister ordered DIG Investigation to personally hold the inquiry and directed that the incident should be reviewed from every angle and stern action should be taken against the persons involved.
The Chief Minister was given a detailed briefing into the incident whereas Chairman CMIT presented the preliminary report and apprised the Chief Minister of various aspects of the matter. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister while taking strict notice of the biting of a baby by a rodent at Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, ordered stern action against the hospital administration and said that the responsibility for maintaining sanitary conditions in hospitals lies on the administration.
He directed authorities concerned to ensure proper arrangements to check recurrence of such incidents in hospitals in future. The Chief Minister ordered immediate transfer of Medical Superintendent Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi and Principal of Rawalpindi Medical College and their posting as OSD. The Chief Minister set up a high level committee to be headed by Special Assistant Salman Rafique for introducing institutional reforms and improvement of the efficiency of Health Department. The committee will submit its report within four weeks.