In Kohlu, Balochistan, a young man’s death following a snakebite has led to concerns about the preparedness of local medical facilities. Relatives of the deceased have voiced their concerns, pointing towards potential medical negligence at the local DHQ Hospital in Lasi Zai Kohlu.
The family contends that during the night of the incident, the DHQ Hospital was without an on-duty doctor. Moreover, they claim that the essential anti-snake vaccine was not readily available at the facility. They further allege that the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital was preoccupied with his private clinic during official hours. The required vaccine, according to them, was subsequently sourced from the MS’s personal residence.
Following the unfortunate incident, the deceased’s father has registered a formal complaint against the hospital staff at the Kohlu city police station.
Notably, snakebite incidents are not uncommon in the area. Earlier this May, the tehsil of Kahan in the Kohlu district reported six snakebite cases in a single day. The consistent availability and stock of the essential anti-snake venom in the local government hospitals remain a point of concern.