PIMS denies negligence in snakebite case, calls social media claims ‘misleading’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Executive Director Dr Imran Sikandar has refuted allegations circulating on social media regarding the treatment of a snakebite victim, calling them “baseless and misleading.”

In an official statement, Dr Sikandar said the child, who was brought to PIMS at 8:35am on July 31, received prompt and proper medical attention.

“The child was examined within 17 minutes, and samples were sent for testing. He was administered 10 anti-venom injections immediately, along with additional medication,” Dr Sikandar said.

Also read: Snake bites man, man bites snake; oh how the turn tables…

“As the child’s condition worsened, another 10 anti-venom doses were administered. A senior physician and ICU team were involved in the treatment process. Due to severe breathing difficulties, doctors determined that the patient required ventilator support,” he said.

“At that time, all ventilators at PIMS were occupied,” Dr Sikandar said. “We contacted Polyclinic Hospital, but no ventilator was available there either. The child was then referred to a private hospital after confirming ventilator availability.”

He said that no negligence occurred and that all necessary steps were taken to save the child’s life. “The referral was made only after ensuring ventilator availability at the private facility,” he said.

PIMS also shared the child’s electronic medical record to verify the facts and noted that over 700 vials of anti-venom are currently available in the hospital’s stock.

Dr Sikandar urged the public not to believe or spread misinformation. “The viral content on social media misrepresents the situation and undermines the dedicated efforts of our medical staff,” he concluded.