Female doctor allegedly assaulted at Lahore’s Gulab Devi Hospital, two women detained

A confrontation between an on-duty female doctor and patient attendants at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital in Lahore has raised fresh concerns

LAHORE: A confrontation between an on-duty female doctor and patient attendants at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital in Lahore has raised fresh concerns about the safety of medical staff in public healthcare facilities, prompting police action and a response from the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab.

The incident reportedly occurred in the hospital’s Amiruddin Ward, where a disagreement over attendants remaining inside the examination area escalated into a physical altercation. A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing attendants allegedly pushing and manhandling the doctor as other hospital staff attempted to intervene.

According to hospital sources, the doctor had asked the attendants to leave the examination area to maintain patient privacy and allow medical examinations to proceed. However, the attendants reportedly refused, leading to a heated exchange that eventually turned physical.

The incident occurred in an overcrowded ward, where multiple attendants are often present alongside patients, according to hospital staff.

Police detain two women

Nasirabad police confirmed that they received a call regarding a quarrel at Gulab Devi Hospital and dispatched a team to the scene.

Police sources said two women allegedly involved in the altercation were detained and produced before a magistrate under Sections 107 and 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which provide for preventive action to maintain public peace.

According to police, further legal proceedings will be considered after officials review the available video footage and record statements from both parties.

No formal first information report (FIR) under assault-related provisions had been registered at the time of the reported update, as neither side had submitted a written complaint, police sources said.

YDA demands stronger security

The Young Doctors Association Punjab condemned the incident and called for effective measures to protect doctors, particularly female medical professionals working in crowded hospital wards.

A YDA spokesperson said the alleged assault was not merely an incident involving one doctor but raised broader concerns about the safety and dignity of healthcare workers.

The association demanded the registration of a case under relevant legal provisions, improved security arrangements across hospital wards, female security personnel where necessary, and strict implementation of a one-patient, one-attendant policy.

It also called for the installation of CCTV cameras and emergency panic buttons in the affected ward and other vulnerable areas.

The association warned that it could consider province-wide protests if adequate protection was not provided to doctors.

Hospital launches internal inquiry

A hospital administration official said an internal inquiry committee headed by the medical superintendent had been formed to examine the incident. The committee is reviewing available CCTV recordings and mobile-phone footage and will hear the accounts of both parties.

The administration has also reportedly requested a permanent police security post in Amiruddin Ward, citing overcrowding as a major challenge.

According to the official, the female doctor is safe and has been offered counselling and support.

Meanwhile, relatives of the detained women disputed the allegations, claiming the disagreement began after the doctor allegedly spoke harshly to them and asked them to leave the examination area. They described the incident as a confrontation rather than a deliberate attack. Police are reportedly examining this account alongside the available evidence.

Concerns over hospital overcrowding

The incident has renewed debate over overcrowding, inadequate security and tensions between medical staff and patient attendants in Lahore’s public hospitals. Doctors’ representatives have also raised concerns about reported cases of harassment and violence against healthcare workers.

Police proceedings and the hospital inquiry are expected to clarify the circumstances of the confrontation and determine what further action may be warranted.