Ward Boy Allegedly Performs Surgeries at Punjab Teaching Hospital

Patients at a government teaching hospital in Punjab have allegedly been put at serious risk after a ward boy was found performing surgical procedures instead of a qualified surgeon.

The report claims the incident took place at Dr. Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital in Sargodha, where CCTV footage allegedly shows a ward boy, identified as Waqas, carrying out surgeries in the operating theatre.

According to the report, surgeon Hafiz Riaz frequently remains absent from duty and allegedly assigns surgical procedures to Waqas instead of performing them himself.

The alleged practice is said to have continued despite the knowledge of the hospital administration, including the principal and the medical superintendent (MS), who have yet to take action against either the surgeon or the ward boy.

The revelations have sparked concern among patients and their families, who have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to order an inquiry and take strict action against those responsible.

Responding to the allegations, the hospital administration said Waqas was appointed as an operation theatre (OT) staff member rather than a ward boy.

Hospital officials also argued that due to a shortage of staff, employees are often required to perform duties beyond their original job descriptions. They claimed that selected staff members have received special training to assist in surgical procedures.

The administration further alleged that the hospital was being targeted by individuals with personal grievances against its management.

No official inquiry or disciplinary action had been announced at the time of reporting.