Fake doctor arrest at PIMS hospital, raises security concerns

ISLAMABAD: The arrest of a man allegedly posing as a doctor inside the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has raised serious questions about security and staff verification at one of Islamabad’s largest government hospitals.

The suspect, identified by police as Mazhar Manzoor Mughal, was reportedly found attending patients in a ward during a routine check. Hospital staff became suspicious when he was unable to produce valid credentials confirming his identity or medical position.

According to hospital sources, the man was allegedly impersonating a medical officer and had entered the ward area while presenting himself as part of the medical staff.

“This is a serious security lapse because an unauthorised person was able to reach patients and perform duties in a ward,” a hospital official said.

Stethoscope, Fake Stamp Recovered

Police said a stethoscope and a fake medical officer stamp were recovered from the suspect following his arrest.

The man was taken into custody and shifted to the relevant police station. Authorities are registering a case under applicable provisions relating to fraud and impersonation, while further investigation is underway.

The incident has caused concern among doctors, patients and attendants, particularly over the possibility that an unauthorised person could have examined patients, recommended medicines or attempted to interfere with medical procedures.

For families already worried about treatment at a busy public hospital, the incident has added another layer of concern.

“If someone can enter a ward and present himself as a doctor without proper verification, patients could be placed at serious risk,” a concerned patient attendant said.

How Did He Enter the Ward?

The most pressing question now facing the hospital administration is how the suspect managed to gain access to a restricted clinical area and remain there long enough to allegedly attend patients.

A PIMS spokesperson said an internal inquiry had been initiated to determine how the incident occurred and whether there was any negligence in the hospital’s security or staff verification system.

The administration is also reviewing existing procedures for checking medical and paramedical personnel. Hospital sources said surprise inspections could be increased in wards to prevent similar incidents.

Investigation Into Possible Wider Activity

Police are also investigating how long the suspect had allegedly been posing as a doctor and whether he had attempted similar activities at other hospitals.

Investigators are expected to examine his background, movements and possible links with others as part of the probe.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger identity checks, biometric verification and stricter access controls for medical staff at public hospitals.

While the arrest has prevented the alleged impersonation from continuing, the episode has exposed a troubling question: how easily can an unauthorised person gain access to patients inside a major government hospital?

Authorities will now face pressure to ensure that the answer does not lead to another security breach.