Punjab Health Department spokesperson says suspended officials should provide written explanations
The Punjab government on Saturday suspended 11 staff members, including the medical director and head of the gynecology department of Lady Willingdon Hospital in Lahore, following the release of a controversial video showing unprofessional conduct in an operation theater.
Punjab health department spokesperson Sayed Hamad Raza confirmed the development. The Express PK Press Club.
The video, recorded during two separate C-sections, appears to show medical teams treating the procedures like a competition, with staff racing to complete operations faster than their colleagues. The images sparked widespread public outrage, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability in public hospitals.
Raza said strict disciplinary action had been taken against those involved. He said the medical director and head of the gynecology department had been suspended and asked to report to the department’s headquarters for further investigation.
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Actions taken by the Specialized Health Care and Medical Education Department – ​​Lady Wellington Hospital
Following the investigation into the recent incident, the Department of Specialized Health and Medical Education has taken the following measures:
The head of department… pic.twitter.com/RX1FQZ6hvN– Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell (@CMComplaintCell) March 28, 2026
In addition, a female doctor, five postgraduate interns, two nurses and a hospital staff member were also suspended.
Raza said all staff members involved had been asked to submit detailed reports explaining their roles and the administrative shortcomings that allowed such conduct to occur.
He added that the investigation was ongoing, with authorities examining how and why the incident occurred in a regulated hospital environment, while the suspended officials were required to provide written explanations while the department considered further disciplinary action.
Read also: Punjab government suspends BBH medical director
Punjab Health and Medical Education Secretary Azmat Mahmood said the responsibility extends to all levels of hospital staff, from senior management to junior doctors and support staff.
Learn more: 2 doctors suspended, one dismissed
Members of the medical community condemned the behavior shown in the video, stressing that professional conduct during surgeries is essential. Although some practitioners highlighted challenges such as staff shortages and high patient numbers in public hospitals, they were unanimous in recognizing that patient safety cannot be compromised.
Experts noted that any interruptions during high-risk procedures such as cesarean sections could have life-threatening consequences for mothers and newborns.
