Pakistan, Oct. 21 -- The Supreme Court has issued key directions to improve oversight of public hospitals, train medical staff and ensure timely redressal of patients' complaints, while setting aside a Balochistan High Court judgment in a medical negligence case.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Shakeel Ahmad decided the case involving Bibi Hanifa's claim for compensation over alleged medical negligence. The court allowed her 2018 civil petition and connected civil appeal, also awarding her costs.

According to the 23-page detailed judgment, Bibi Hanifa was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Pishin for the delivery of her eighth child. She underwent a caesare...