Punjab govt decides strict action against YDA President Dr. Shoaib Niazi

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to take strict action against Muhammad Shoaib Niazi, President of the Young Doctors Association Punjab (YDA), following the Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) video case.

The Punjab Health Department has already suspended several senior officials of LWH, including the Medical Superintendent (MS), senior consultants, senior registrars, senior medical officers, and the Head of Department (HOD).

However, YDA Punjab condemned the suspensions and warned of protests if the decision is not reversed.

Dr. Shoaib Niazi, a consultant medical specialist and rheumatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, had strongly criticized the action, stating that the association reserves its constitutional right to protest if what he termed an “unjust decision” is not withdrawn.

Meanwhile, an inquiry committee of the Health Department has recommended action against him, including possible dismissal.

According to official documents, he was found guilty of negligence and administrative misconduct during the inquiry.

The charges have reportedly been proven under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act, prompting further disciplinary proceedings.

A show-cause notice has been issued to Dr. Niazi, directing him to submit his response within seven days. He has also been summoned by the Special Secretary Health on April 6.

Sources added that Dr. Niazi had previously led protests under the banner of the Grand Health Alliance last year, after which investigations against him were initiated.

Earlier, the Punjab Health Department on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to senior administrative officers of Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) in Lahore over an inappropriate video involving two patients undergoing treatment.

In an official statement, the department said the action was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Show-cause notices have been issued to the responsible senior administrative officials over the incident.

The department has also written to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), recommending disciplinary action against five postgraduate doctors involved in recording the video. Those identified include Dr. Tayyaba, Dr. Maham, Dr. Zainab, Dr. Ayesha, and Dr. Essa.