Faisalabad girl dies in Indian hospital after heart surgery

LUDHIANA: A seven-year-old girl from Faisalabad, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in India, passed away on Tuesday.

According to reports, Zainab had three holes in her heart and the left side of her heart was not functioning properly.

Zainab's father said the doctors at Faisalabad's Institute of Cardiology had recommended that the seven-year-old be taken to India for treatment.

Following their recommendation, Zainab was taken to Ludhiana where she had surgery last night, her father shared.

The minor was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) after her surgery and the next 24 hours were said to be critical. However, Zainab lost the battle for her life early Tuesday morning.

The deceased's body was handed to the parents and it has been brought to Pakistan, confirmed Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal.

The Pakistan High Commission and the government of India showed full cooperation to return the body to Pakistan, Faisal added. 

However, the parents had encountered initial difficulties while trying to bring the body to Pakistan. In a video message, the girl's father had blamed the authorities for forcing him to run pillar to post among various government departments to obtain travel documents.

The father had also appealed to Pakistani High Commission to help in the matter.

In response to father’s appeal, the foreign office had requested the Indian government to expedite the process.

In a tweet, foreign office spokesperson had written: “We have requested the Indian Govt to expedite repatriation of the body of Ms. Zainab, the Pakistani patient who was undergoing treatment in India and tragically passed away. Our High Commission is actively pursuing the issue. Our condolences go out to her bereaved family.”