A string of child deaths in a remote village near Rahim Yar Khan has triggered alarm across the district, with grieving families blaming a suspected measles outbreak and official negligence, while health authorities insist the deaths were caused by severe malnutrition, low immunity and delayed medical care.
The deaths were reported in Basti Hakim Abdullah Awan in Mouza Murad Pur Sangi, where residents say several children have died over the past 10 days, with at least seven deaths reported in the last six weeks. According to affected families, the deceased children were between five months and 10 years old.
Residents said most of the children had developed symptoms including fever, rashes, weakness and breathing difficulties, prompting fears of a measles outbreak.
They claimed repeated complaints were made to the district health department, but no timely emergency vaccination drive or medical relief was arranged.
Families alleged that several lives could have been saved had health officials acted sooner by dispatching mobile teams, verifying immunization status and providing urgent treatment at the household level.
The deaths have sparked anger in the village, where residents say poverty, undernourishment and lack of access to basic healthcare have long remained serious concerns.
They accused district health authorities, particularly Chief Executive Officer Health Dr Hafiz Babar Ali, of administrative negligence and delayed intervention.
However, the health department has rejected claims of a measles outbreak.
In a preliminary report issued after a detailed survey, door-to-door inspections and medical assessments, Dr Hafiz Babar Ali said none of the deceased children showed clear signs of measles and no active measles case had been detected in the area.
He said vaccination cards were available for all affected children, weakening the suspicion of measles. According to the report, the children were found to be suffering from severe malnutrition, low body weight, physical weakness and poor immunity.
Some skin marks initially feared to be measles were later identified as post-chickenpox lesions.
Dr Babar Ali said the inquiry also found that several parents had relied on an unqualified faith healer and traditional remedies instead of seeking treatment from licensed doctors or basic health units, causing delays in proper medical care and worsening the children’s condition.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneFarooq SinduRead More