Punjab suspends 11 staff members after surgery video goes viral at Lahore's Lady Willingdon Hospital

The Punjab government on Saturday suspended 11 staff members, including the medical superintendent and the head of the gynaecology department at Lahore's Lady Willingdon Hospital, following the circulation of a controversial video showing unprofessional conduct in an operating theatre. Punjab Health Department spokesperson Sayed Hamad Raza confirmed the development to The Express Tribune. The video, recorded during two separate caesarean operations, appeared to show medical teams treating the procedures as a competition, with staff racing to complete surgeries faster than their colleagues. The footage sparked widespread public outrage, highlighting the need for stricter supervision and accountability in public hospitals. Raza said strict disciplinary action was taken against those involved. He said the medical superintendent and the head of the gynaecology department were suspended and directed to report to the department’s headquarters for further inquiry. Lahore 📍 Actions Taken by the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department – Lady Wellington Hospital Following the inquiry into the recent incident, the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department has taken the following actions: The Head of Department… https://t.co/mIYAQP2T3v pic.twitter.com/RX1FQZ6hvN — Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell (@CMComplaintCell) March 28, 2026 In addition, a woman medical officer, five postgraduate trainees, two nurses and one hospital staff member were also suspended. Raza said all personnel involved had been asked to submit detailed reports explaining their roles and the administrative lapses that allowed such conduct to occur. He added that the investigation was ongoing, with authorities reviewing how and why the incident occurred within a regulated hospital environment, while the suspended officials were expected to provide written explanations as the department considered further disciplinary action. Also Read: Punjab govt suspends BBH’s medical superintendent Punjab Healthcare and Medical Education Secretary Azmat Mahmood stated that accountability extended to every level of hospital staff, from senior management to junior doctors and support personnel. Read More: 2 doctors suspended, one dismissed Members of the medical community condemned the behaviour shown in the video, stressing that professional conduct during surgeries was essential. While some practitioners pointed to challenges such as staff shortages and high patient volumes in public hospitals, there was unanimous agreement that patient safety could not be compromised. Experts noted that any lapse during high-risk procedures such as caesarean sections could have life-threatening consequences for both mothers and newborns.