Fake doctor arrested from General Hospital Lahore labour room

A man allegedly posing as a doctor has been arrested from the emergency labour room of the Gynaecology Ward at General Hospital Lahore,

LAHORE: A man allegedly posing as a doctor has been arrested from the emergency labour room of the Gynaecology Ward at General Hospital Lahore, days after a similar incident was reported at PIMS Islamabad, raising concerns over security and verification procedures at major public hospitals.

According to hospital officials, the accused, identified as Hassan Ijaz, entered the labour room wearing a doctor’s coat and allegedly began examining women patients. He initially claimed to be a resident of Shalimar Town but was later identified as a resident of Kahna, according to the hospital administration.

The man’s activities reportedly raised suspicion among the on-duty gynaecology staff. When the duty Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) questioned him and asked for identification and proof of his medical credentials, he allegedly failed to produce a hospital identity card, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) registration or any duty-related documentation.

Following the incident, the on-duty gynaecologist submitted a written application to the Deputy Medical Superintendent and Kot Lakhpat Police Station, requesting legal action against the suspect.

Police subsequently arrested Hassan Ijaz from inside the emergency labour room and registered a case. Investigators are now examining how he managed to enter the restricted area and whether he had previously visited the ward or interacted with patients.

Officials are also looking into whether the suspect allegedly harassed, deceived or demanded money from any patients. The investigation is expected to determine the purpose behind his presence in the sensitive area and the duration of his alleged impersonation.

The incident has also revived concerns over similar cases reported at public hospitals in different parts of Pakistan.

In December 2025, police reportedly arrested a woman identified as Sonia Bibi from General Hospital Lahore on allegations of posing as a doctor and allegedly collecting money from patients.

A similar case was reported at PIMS Islamabad, where an individual was recently apprehended after allegedly impersonating a doctor. The incident also brought attention to a 2018 case involving Fida Hussain, a pharmaceutical vendor who was reportedly found working night shifts in the Plastic Surgery Department despite having no medical qualification. According to reports from that case, he allegedly treated patients and prescribed medicines while being paid by doctors to cover duties.

Mayo Hospital Lahore also witnessed a serious impersonation case in 2021, when former security guard Muhammad Waheed Butt was accused of posing as a doctor and performing surgery on an elderly woman. The patient later died following complications. The case prompted questions about verification and supervision within the hospital.

In another case, a woman allegedly posed as a neurosurgeon at Services Hospital Lahore in 2016 and reportedly remained involved in medical procedures for several months before being detected.

Similarly, an individual identifying himself as Dr Ehsan was reportedly caught at Nishtar Hospital Multan in 2023 while allegedly carrying a counterfeit medical stamp.

The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter verification of medical staff, hospital identity cards and access to sensitive wards. The labour room is a restricted area where patients require privacy and specialised medical care, making unauthorised access a significant security concern.

Police are continuing their investigation, while hospital authorities are examining how the suspect entered the ward and whether any further action is required against individuals responsible for security lapses.

All allegations against the arrested suspect remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.