Punjab Health Department spokesperson says suspended officials expected to provide written explanations
The Punjab government on Saturday suspended 11 staff members, including the medical superintendent and head of gynecology department at Lahore’s Lady Willingdon Hospital, following the circulation of a controversial video showing unprofessional conduct in an operation theatre.
Punjab Health Department spokesperson Sayed Hamad Raza confirmed the fact to The Express PAkGazette.
The video, recorded during two separate C-section operations, appeared to show medical teams treating the procedures as a competition, with staff racing to complete surgeries faster than their colleagues. The images sparked widespread public outrage and highlighted the need for stronger oversight and accountability in public hospitals.
Raza said strict disciplinary action was taken against those involved. He said the medical superintendent and head of the gynecology department were suspended and ordered to report to the department headquarters for further investigation.
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Actions taken by the Department of Medical Education and Specialist Healthcare – Lady Wellington Hospital
Following the investigation of the recent incident, the Department of Medical Education and Specialized Health Care has taken the following measures:
The Head of Department… pic.twitter.com/RX1FQZ6hvN— Chief Minister Complaint Cell (@CMComplaintCell) March 28, 2026
In addition, a medical officer, five postgraduate students, two nurses and a hospital staff member were also suspended.
Raza said all staff involved had been asked to submit detailed reports explaining their duties and the administrative failures that allowed such conduct to occur.
It added that the investigation was ongoing, with authorities reviewing how and why the incident occurred within a regulated hospital environment, while suspended officials were expected to provide written explanations as the department considered further disciplinary measures.
Also read: Punjab govt suspends BBH medical superintendent
Punjab Health and Medical Education Secretary Azmat Mahmood said the responsibility extended to all levels of hospital staff, from top management to junior doctors and support staff.
Read more: 2 doctors suspended, one fired
Members of the medical community condemned the behavior shown in the video and emphasized that professional conduct during surgeries was essential. While some professionals noted challenges such as staff shortages and high patient volume in public hospitals, there was unanimous agreement that patient safety could not be compromised.
Experts noted that any errors during high-risk procedures, such as C-sections, could have life-threatening consequences for both mothers and newborns.
