The Punjab government has suspended nine doctors and a nurse following a serious breach of medical protocol at Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where a patient later confirmed to be HIV-positive underwent surgery without the mandatory pre-operative screening. The incident, which occurred three days ago, has triggered a high-level inquiry and immediate disciplinary action.
Immediate Action Following Protocol Breach
According to official suspension orders, the action was taken on the recommendations of an inquiry committee. The suspended medical professionals include MS General Surgery Dr. Irsa Arif, Chemical Pathologist Dr. Sania Saeed, Orthopedic Dr. Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Senior Registrar Dr. Fariha Ahmed, Medical Officer Dr. Shahbaz Anwar, Dr. Muhammad Ali Jan, and Charge Nurse Rida Zahra, among others. The orders explicitly direct all suspended individuals not to leave the station without prior permission.
Operation Theatre Sealed as Precautionary Measures Intensify
The matter came to light when the patient’s test result, processed after the surgery, confirmed the HIV-positive status. In response, the hospital administration immediately sealed the operation theatre where the procedure took place. As a critical safety measure, more than 10 doctors and paramedical staff members who were present in the theatre during the surgery have also undergone HIV testing, hospital officials confirmed.
Government Vows Zero Tolerance for Negligence
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir issued a stern warning, stating that negligence in patient treatment is absolutely intolerable. He vowed that strict action would be taken against all those found responsible for the lapse, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing standard operating procedures to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
The incident has raised serious questions about adherence to infectious disease protocols in public hospitals, highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences of bypassing routine pre-operative screenings.
