Nishtar Hospital HIV Surgery: 10 Medics Suspended

Nishtar Hospital – (Web Desk) – The Punjab government has suspended nine doctors and one nurse following a deeply alarming Nishtar Hospital HIV surgery case, where a confirmed HIV-positive patient was operated on without prior screening alongside general patients in Multan.

The incident took place three days before it came to public attention. Doctors from the surgery department reportedly performed the operation without waiting for the patient’s HIV test report. The result, which came in later, confirmed the patient was HIV positive.

Among those suspended are MS General Surgery Dr Irsa Arif, Chemical Pathologist Dr Sania Saeed, Orthopedic Dr Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Senior Registrar Dr Fariha Ahmed, Medical Officer Dr Shahbaz Anwar, Dr Muhammad Ali Jan, and Charge Nurse Rida Zahra. All suspensions were made on the recommendations of an inquiry committee.

Following the alarming discovery, the hospital administration immediately sealed the operation theatre where the surgery took place. All suspended staff have been instructed not to leave their station without prior permission.

More than ten doctors and paramedical staff who were present during the procedure have since undergone HIV testing as a precautionary measure, the hospital confirmed.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir responded firmly, stating that negligence in patient care is completely intolerable. He warned that strict action will follow against everyone found responsible.

This incident raises serious questions about how hospitals handle high-risk cases and whether proper safety protocols are being followed to protect both patients and healthcare workers.