ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken notice of a disturbing incident involving the alleged filming of patients during surgical procedures at Lady Willingdon Hospital in Lahore.

According to initial reports, a video recorded inside an operating theatre, purportedly showing medical staff engaging in unprofessional conduct and mishandling surgical procedures, has circulated widely. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding patient dignity, confidentiality, and adherence to established medical ethics.

The PMDC formally issued notices to the hospital administration as well as the doctors allegedly involved in recording and disseminating footage of patients. The council directed all relevant individuals to submit a detailed explanation, clarifying their roles and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It stated that recording patients without consent, particularly in sensitive clinical environments such as operating theatres, constitutes a grave breach of professional ethics and may violate patient rights and confidentiality standards.

Warns of strict disciplinary action for breach of medical ethics

PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj, in a statement, said such actions were unacceptable and would be dealt with strictly under the relevant regulatory framework.

The council sought comprehensive details regarding the identification of doctors involved in filming and sharing the footage, the consent procedures, if any, followed before recording, and the disciplinary measures taken by the hospital administration.

“PMDC will review the responses upon receipt and initiate appropriate regulatory action, including disciplinary proceedings against the doctors. The council maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any breach of ethical standards. PMDC will not tolerate violations of the Code of Ethics, particularly those that compromise patient confidentiality and dignity. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible in accordance with the law,” Dr Taj said.

He added that the PMDC was obligated to safeguard patient rights, ensure ethical medical practice, and maintain public trust in the healthcare system.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2026