NAROWAL: A video of an operating theatre (OT) attendant performing surgeries on women in the absence of any surgeon at a major health facility in Sialkot has gone viral.

The abysmal state of healthcare at Daska’s Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital drew condemnation on the social media, with calls for stern action against the officials concerned.

District Health Authority, Sialkot, Chief Executive Officer Dr Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam said operating theatre attendant Muhammad Asim and two nurses had been suspended from service and a report sought from THQ hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Adnan.

The operating theatre attendant, Asim, can be seen in the video administering anaesthesia and operating upon the women for appendix and C-section on his own. Complete procedures have been recorded and Asim seems to be violating the SOPs. Nurses and paramedical staff roam around in the operating theatre.

Health authorities suspend three, seek report

People expressed their disgust at the negligence of the authorities concerned jeopardising the lives of women.

This correspondent tried to contact Medical Superintendent Dr Adnan but he did not reply to the calls. Deputy Commissioner Imran Qureshi told Dawn that he was saddened by the incident and had sought a detailed report from the CEO Health. Strict departmental action would be taken against those responsible for negligence, said the DC, who also holds the charge of District Health Authority chairman.

Citizens have demanded Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to take notice and bring the culprits to book.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2022