PIMS doctor suspended after video of JUI-F leader undergoing medical treatment goes viral

Fazl’s video has drawn mixed response on social media by his followers and opponents

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) administration on Saturday suspended a doctor for uploading a video of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman undergoing medical examination.

The video uploaded by the doctor went viral on social media.

The JUI-F leader was admitted to the hospital on April 28 after he complained of stomach-related issues and was briefly kept under observation as doctors carried out a number of tests before he was finally discharged from the hospital.

The video of Fazl, in which he is seen lying on a hospital bed and receiving medical care by a female medic, drew a mixed response on social media by his followers and supporters of rival political parties.



The religious leader who has remained vocal against women empowerment was criticised by his opponents for getting medical treatment by a female doctor. However, his followers were appalled at the unethical display of the doctor who, despite the binding ethical and legal responsibility to keep patients’ matters confidential, uploaded the video on social media.

https://twitter.com/vShockers/status/725676547139588096

ICIJ
Is deemed responsible for Maulana Fazlur Rehman's stomach aches and cramps (Satire)https://t.co/kvI5eYg6gV

— Kashif Moten (@kashifmoten) April 29, 2016

https://twitter.com/Mustafa_Chdry/status/725626254670618624

Plz Pray for Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Good Health. #Islamabad https://t.co/dqZcJWTURV

— Islamabadies (@Islamabadies) April 28, 2016

Upon receiving complaints from the family and followers of Fazl, Pims management suspended the doctor who uploaded the video, and apologised to the JUIF-chief.

A three-member committee headed by Professor Abid Farooqui has also been constituted to investigate the matter. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.



The official order, which announced the dismissal of the doctor, also warned the hospital’s staff against obtaining photographs of any patient or releasing them to anyone without the patient’s permission.

“To this effect, the management of Pims strongly condemns the act and tenders unconditional sincere apology to the worthy patient, his family and followers,” the notification read.

The incident comes weeks after a physically challenged woman admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Pims was sexually assaulted by a hospital employee who was suspended from his post and was later arrested.