A RELATIVE in our family was taken recently to the gynaecology ward of District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital in Swabi apparently for some pregnancyrelated emergency. The lady doctors on duty there traumatised the patient and her attendants rather unnecessarily, leaving them in a state of despair.

They told them that a caesarean section had to be performed immediately as the lives of both the mother and the foetus were at risk. They also warned the family that the blood would be needed, and that a donor or two should be arranged right away.

Worried by the situation, especially because it was quite late in the night, but not quite convinced by the attitude of the lady doctors, the family decided to move out to the nearby Bacha Khan Medical Complex (BKMC).

Within no time, the lady doctors at the gynaecology ward told us that there was no emergency at all. In fact, we were told that there was no need to worry as things were pretty normal. We were advised to take the patient back home as it was not `time yet`.

Satisfied, we went back home. A few days later, a normal delivery took place, and both the mother and the child, a son,areinsoundhealth.

Unfortunately, the unprofessional and irresponsible behaviour of the lady doctors at DHQ Swabi deserves serious condemnation.

The authorities concerned should investigate theissue so that patients are not traumatised this way in the future.

Waseem Abbas Swabi