Clash between doctor and patient’s attendants at Lahore Hospital

LAHORE: A physical altercation broke out between a female doctor and three female attendants of a patient at the Amiruddin Ward of Gulab Devi Hospital in Lahore, triggering calls for an investigation and improved security for healthcare workers.

According to accounts provided by hospital officials and the Young Doctors Association (YDA), the dispute reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over transferring a patient to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the availability of a ventilator.

The situation intensified when one of the attendants began recording a video on her mobile phone. The doctor allegedly attempted to take the phone away, leading to a physical confrontation. The parties reportedly exchanged slaps, punches and blows during the incident.

The patient’s family presented a different account, alleging that they were assaulted and locked inside a room after requesting the patient’s transfer to the ICU. They also accused paramedical staff of demanding a bribe.

However, the hospital administration and the Young Doctors Association rejected the family’s version of events. They maintained that the female doctor had been attacked by three women accompanying the patient.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the events that unfolded inside the hospital ward.

The Young Doctors Association condemned the incident and called for strict legal action against those found responsible. It also demanded stronger security arrangements to protect doctors and other healthcare professionals from violence while performing their duties.

The association stressed the need to ensure a safe working environment for medical staff, while a transparent investigation would be required to establish the facts and determine responsibility for the incident.

Further details regarding any formal complaint, police action or official inquiry were not immediately available.