Doctors face probe after viral C-section ‘competition’ video in Lahore

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

A bizarre and disturbing incident happened in Lady Wellington Hospital (LWH) of Lahore, Pakistan, as two doctors competed to perform C-section operations faster, with patient videos recorded and shared.

This video went viral showing doctors competing with each other during women’s surgeries not just breached the privacy of the female patients but also violated medical ethics.

The incident sparked serious concerns over medical ethics and patient safety. The video shows that two doctors are engaged in a competition while performing C-section surgeries on female patients in the gynecology operation theatre, endangering lives of both mothers and their newborns.

During the procedures, the doctors did not even respect the privacy of the female patients, and the video was recorded and later made viral.

The government’s ban on the use of mobile phones in operation theatres was blatantly ignored.

The LWH management expressed ignorance regarding the recording of video and going it viral from the operation theatre.

However, the Punjab government has taken strict action against those responsible for the video incident at the LWH.

LWH Medical Superintendent Dr Farah Inam and Head of Gynecology Department Prof Dr Uzma Hussain have been summoned to give their response within three days. Besides, the postgraduate training of four doctors including Dr Tayyaba Fatima Toor, Dr Maham Amin, Dr Zainab Tahir and Dr Ayesha Afzal have been suspended.

The postgraduate residents have been directed to report to the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department. The notifications have been issued in this regard.

The Punjab government has formed a special committee to investigate the incident. The usage of mobile phones is absolutely not allowed during the treatment of patients in hospitals, an official said and added that disciplinary action will be initiated in case of failure to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated time.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that such alleged actions represent violation of medical ethics, insult to the dignity of the patient and violation of professional skills.