Doctor suspended after inappropriate gesture caught on video
Nishtar Hospital Dismisses Doctor Following Viral Video
LAHORE: Nishtar Hospital has terminated Dr Qasim Jamal, an additional house officer, for misbehaving with a patient’s family, after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media. The dismissal was confirmed on Monday, with the hospital citing violation of professional ethics and internal rules.
The doctor had been suspended on December 19, a day after the incident occurred, while an inquiry committee was also formed to investigate.
Details of the Incident
The patient had been admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department in critical condition on Thursday. She was undergoing stabilization before being moved to a ward for a blood transfusion. However, her condition worsened, making transfusion no longer feasible.
The incident escalated when the patient’s attendants reportedly misbehaved with medical staff, prompting the doctor to raise his arm and make an inappropriate gesture.
According to the hospital’s incident report dated December 20, treatment was provided according to protocol, and the patient’s decline was due to medical reasons rather than negligence.
Doctor’s Response
Dr Qasim Jamal issued a statement defending his actions, saying the gesture was a “symbol of protest” against harassment by the patient’s family. He claimed:
- The emergency room was overcrowded by more than a dozen people with cameras, despite restricted area rules.
- Attendants shouted, abused, threatened, and attempted physical violence against staff.
- He did not use profanity or physically attack anyone, and acted under severe stress and provocation.
- His gesture was peaceful, non-violent, and not a violation of hospital ethics according to his understanding.
The doctor requested reinstatement to complete his training, arguing that suspension without a full investigation was unfair.
Hospital’s Stand
The hospital maintained that the doctor violated professional conduct rules. A notification issued on December 19 confirmed his immediate termination, emphasizing that misconduct and breaches of ethics are taken seriously.