Multan: Nishtar Hospital Multan has terminated the services of a doctor following a viral video that triggered widespread criticism on social media, raising serious questions about professional conduct and patient care in public hospitals.
According to official hospital sources, the doctor — serving as an additional house officer — was dismissed after footage circulated online showing him making an inappropriate gesture toward the family of a deceased patient inside the hospital’s emergency department.
What Happened at Nishtar Hospital?
The incident occurred last week when a critically ill patient was brought to Nishtar Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. According to the hospital’s incident report, medical staff were attempting to stabilise the patient before arranging a blood transfusion. However, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly, and she passed away before the procedure could be carried out.
Following the death, the patient’s attendants became visibly distressed, leading to heated exchanges inside the emergency ward. A video recorded during the confrontation later went viral, showing the doctor raising his middle finger before walking away — a gesture that sparked public outrage and condemnation.
Hospital Takes Immediate Action
Hospital administration responded swiftly. The doctor was suspended a day after the incident, and an inquiry committee was formed to investigate the matter. After reviewing preliminary findings, Nishtar Hospital issued a notification terminating the doctor’s services with immediate effect, citing:
-
Professional misconduct
-
Violation of hospital rules
-
Breach of medical ethics
Officials stressed that such behaviour was unacceptable and undermined public trust in the healthcare system.
Doctor’s Response to the Allegations
In a detailed written statement, the dismissed doctor defended his actions, describing the gesture as a “symbolic protest” against what he termed continuous harassment and threats by the patient’s attendants.
He claimed that:
-
The patient was already in an extremely critical condition
-
Medical staff attempted resuscitation until the final moments
-
Hospital security failed to control the situation, allowing unauthorised individuals to enter restricted areas
-
He was subjected to verbal abuse and physical threats while treating other patients
The doctor admitted to being under intense mental stress but denied using abusive language or engaging in physical violence. He argued that his termination was unjustified and requested reinstatement to complete his medical training.
Public Reaction and Wider Concerns
The incident has reignited debate over:
-
Doctor-patient relations in public hospitals
-
Security lapses in emergency departments
-
Working conditions and stress faced by junior doctors
-
Professional accountability in healthcare institutions
While many social media users demanded strict action against unprofessional conduct, others highlighted the need for better security, counselling, and institutional support for frontline healthcare workers.
Hospital Administration’s Stand
Hospital officials maintain that regardless of provocation, medical professionals are expected to uphold ethical standards at all times. They reiterated that disciplinary action was necessary to preserve professionalism and ensure patient families are treated with dignity, even during emotionally charged situations.
Main Article
Nishtar Hospital Multan dismissed a doctor after a viral video showed unprofessional behaviour toward a patient’s family. The hospital cited misconduct and ethical violations, while the doctor blamed stress and security failures, sparking a broader debate on healthcare professionalism and hospital safety.
