Quetta: In a remarkable medical intervention prompted by a viral social media post, a young girl from Musakhel district suffering from Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT) underwent successful surgery at Children’s Hospital in Quetta. The operation, which lasted two and a half hours and resulted in the removal of a 5 kg tumor, was carried out following direct orders from Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the government’s swift response to the social media outcry ensured that the girl received immediate care. Sacrococcygeal Teratoma is a rare congenital tumor that develops at the base of the tailbone and is the most common tumor found in newborns, occurring in one out of every 35,000 children. Despite its frequency in newborns, SCTs are typically benign and treatable with surgery.
The girl was transported by ambulance to the Children’s Hospital where she was quickly admitted and prepped for surgery. The successful removal of the tumor underscores the hospital’s capability and commitment to providing critical pediatric care.
The parents of the girl expressed their profound gratitude towards Chief Minister Bugti, Health Minister Kakar, and Professor Surgeon Ghulam Nabi Nasir, Head of Pediatric Surgery at the hospital, for their prompt action which led to the successful treatment of their daughter. Professor Nasir highlighted that the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital plays a vital role in the region by providing life-saving procedures and quality health facilities to young patients.
This incident not only highlights the importance of accessible medical care but also the impact of social media in mobilizing health services for urgent cases.