LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced plans to implement strict disciplinary measures against Muhammad Shoaib Niazi, President of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab, in connection with the recent Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) video controversy.
In response, the Punjab Health Department has suspended several senior officials from LWH, including the Medical Superintendent, senior consultants, senior registrars, senior medical officers, and the Department Head.
YDA Punjab has strongly opposed these suspensions, warning of protests if the decisions are reversed. Dr. Shoaib Niazi, a rheumatologist and specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, criticized the disciplinary action, asserting that the association has the constitutional right to protest what he called an unfair decision.
An inquiry committee formed by the Health Department has recommended disciplinary action against Dr. Niazi, including potential dismissal. Official reports indicate that he was found guilty of negligence and administrative misconduct during the investigation, with charges confirmed under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act, leading to further proceedings.
A show-cause notice has been issued, requiring Dr. Niazi to respond within seven days. He has also been summoned to appear before the Special Secretary of Health on April 6.
Sources reveal that Dr. Niazi previously led protests under the banner of the Grand Health Alliance last year, after which investigations into his conduct were initiated.
Earlier, the Punjab Health Department issued show-cause notices to senior officials at Lady Willingdon Hospital over a controversial video involving two patients. The department stated that these actions were taken on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Additionally, the department has recommended disciplinary proceedings against five postgraduate doctors—Dr. Tayyaba, Dr. Maham, Dr. Zainab, Dr. Ayesha, and Dr. Essa—for recording and sharing the video, with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) being notified for further action.
