BBH Assures No Oxygen Shortage Amid Concerns

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Authorities have launched a fact-checking exercise at Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) after concerns over a possible oxygen shortage, with officials assuring that adequate supplies and backup arrangements are available at the facility.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Laiqat Ali Chatha visited the hospital to assess the situation and inspect oxygen availability, particularly in the paediatric and neonatal intensive care units where more than 150 children were receiving oxygen support.

During his visit, the commissioner met patients and their attendants to inquire about medical services. He said most families expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s facilities and confirmed that there was no shortage of oxygen in any department.

Chatha said the increased pressure on the paediatric department was mainly due to the winter season and the temporary closure of Holy Family Hospital, which has resulted in a higher number of patients at BBH.

He added that an inquiry committee had already been formed to investigate reports regarding an alleged oxygen shortage, while urging media organisations to verify information before reporting to avoid creating unnecessary public concern.

The commissioner said medical teams were working under pressure and additional doctors from Holy Family Hospital had also been deployed at BBH to manage the increased patient flow.

Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir Rizvi said BBH has a 14,000-litre Variable Internal Evaporation (VIE) oxygen tank supplying the entire hospital, along with a 4,000-litre backup tank and 85 oxygen cylinders available for emergencies.

He said oxygen supply remains operational round the clock in critical areas, including emergency wards, paediatric units, operation theatres, surgical ICU, medical ICU and paediatric ICU.

Rejecting reports that a 10-month-old child died due to oxygen shortage, Dr Rizvi said the child was suffering from severe double pneumonia and measles and had remained on a ventilator for around 12 hours. He said the child received oxygen and medical support but could not survive due to the seriousness of the illness.

Officials said measures are being taken to manage the increased patient load and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services at the hospital.