He is sending formal notices to the hospital administration and doctors allegedly involved in recording and sharing videos.
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Monday issued notices to the administration of Lady Willingdon Hospital in Lahore following reports of an alleged incident in which patients were filmed during surgical procedures.
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.
Following public outcry, the Punjab government suspended 11 staff members, including the medical director and head of the gynecology department of the hospital.
The PMDC today issued notices to both the hospital administration and doctors allegedly involved in recording and sharing the video. The council ordered all those involved to provide a detailed explanation, describing their role and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Recording patients without consent, particularly in sensitive clinical settings such as operating rooms, constitutes a serious violation of professional ethics and may undermine patient rights and confidentiality,” the PMDC said.
The board requested a full report, including identification of those involved in the filming and distribution of the footage, the consent protocols followed before recording and any disciplinary actions taken by hospital management.
Upon receipt of the responses, the PMDC will review the matter and take appropriate regulatory action, including initiating disciplinary proceedings against the doctors involved.
“The PMDC maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of ethical standards. We will not tolerate any violation of the code of ethics, especially those that violate the confidentiality and dignity of patients. Strict action will be taken against those responsible, in accordance with the law,” the PMDC said.
PMDC Chairman Dr Rizwan Taj said such behavior was unacceptable and would be dealt with firmly within the relevant regulatory framework.
