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Doctors Suspended Over HIV Patient Surgery Scandal
23 May
Summary
- Nine doctors and officials found guilty of misconduct.
- Mandatory HIV screening protocols were reportedly ignored.
- Disciplinary action taken under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act.
An inquiry at Nishtar Medical University has identified nine doctors and hospital officials for misconduct and failure to adhere to mandatory screening protocols. This investigation was initiated following allegations that a patient underwent surgery without proper HIV screening, who later tested positive for the virus.
The Punjab government has initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006. As a result, several medical professionals have been suspended.
Those suspended include Senior Registrar Dr Fariha Ahmed and Nurse Rida Zahra. Medical officers Dr Shahbaz Anwar, Dr Mohammad Ali Jan, and Dr Muhammad Naeem Akhtar are also suspended for incompetence and mismanagement.
Further actions include the suspension of training for Dr Sania Saeed (FCPS Chemical Pathology), Dr Irsa Arif (MS General Surgery), and Dr Akhtar (FCPS Orthopaedic Surgery). These officials are directed to report to the Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department.
The inquiry report detailed specific failures, such as not verifying HIV screening reports before surgery, delayed communication of results, and neglecting mandatory checklists. The health minister emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for negligence in patient care.
