In a deeply distressing turn of events following the September 30 suicide attack on the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters in Quetta’s Model Town, a bereaved family has alleged that they were asked to pay money in order to receive the bodies of their loved ones from Civil Hospital Quetta.“We lost our father and brother in the blast, and then we were asked to pay to get their bodies,” said Niaz Muhammad Badoch, whose father, Haji Noor Muhammad, and brother, Sabir Khan, were among those killed in the deadly explosion.
According to Niaz Muhammad, when the process of handing over the bodies began, an unidentified man demanded Rs 35,000, claiming that the corpses would not be released without payment.
We were shocked. We told him we didn’t have that kind of money. Eventually, after collecting donations from relatives, we paid Rs 16,000 and got the bodies,” he said, adding that at the time,“we were in unbearable grief holding the burnt and torn bodies of our loved ones and the hospital staff’s attitude added to our pain.He said he could identify the man if shown again, though he was not aware of his identity at the time.
Meanwhile, Civil Sandeman Hospital Quetta Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr. Abdul Hadi addressed the issue in a press conference, responding to the viral allegations circulating on social media. “The hospital’s reputation was questioned, so clarification was necessary,” said Dr. Hadi. “All services for victims of the Pishin Stop blast were providedfree of charge” he added.
The MS confirmed that an inquiry was conducted after the complaint was filed by the victim’s family.“The person who took the money turned out to be a rescue volunteer, not a hospital staff member,” Dr. Hadi revealed. “The individual has confessed to taking the money,” he added.
He further said that the suspect’s identification parade was completed and that Edhi Services had since been relieved from hospital premises following the incident. “One volunteer’s unethical act has raised questions about an entire service,” Dr. Hadi lamented. “We have also met the affected family today and assured them of full cooperation.”
Authorities have assured that disciplinary and legal action will be taken against the guilty individual. The hospital management emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
