A security guard at a government heart hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan was caught treating patients, prompting authorities to take notice after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
According to reports, the incident took place at the Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology. A viral social media video showed a hospital security guard performing an ECG on a patient, while sweepers and ward boys were reportedly assigned to check patients’ blood pressure.
According to sources, the hospital currently has no senior or qualified cardiologists, surgeons, or physicians on duty. Instead, newly appointed medical officers and house job doctors are handling operations without sufficient experience in diagnosing or treating heart diseases. Senior doctors from larger cities are reportedly unwilling to work in Dera Ghazi Khan, and those transferred to the hospital often take extended leave or manage to get re-transferred after some time.
It was further revealed that despite the Punjab government’s ban on new appointments and transfers in October 2023 — just months before the general elections — the institute allegedly hired 123 people instead of the approved 96. These appointments were reportedly made through political influence and financial transactions, with reports of payments up to two lakh rupees per position.
Sources describe the hospital’s internal situation as alarming. Cleanliness is poor, staff behavior is irresponsible, and the shortage of qualified doctors has worsened patient difficulties. Bypass surgery patients reportedly face delays of four to five months for operations, forcing many to seek expensive private procedures in Lahore or Multan.
Public and social organizations have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the provincial health secretary to take immediate notice of the corruption, unqualified appointments, and negligence at the facility.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Ramzan Soomro stated that an inquiry committee — comprising a senior doctor, a deputy medical superintendent, and a lady doctor — has been formed to investigate the incident. He assured that disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible once the committee submits its report.