Guard's ECG video prompts inquiry

Probe holds two nurses responsible; guard skips inquiry

DG KHAN:

The inquiry committee formed by the medical superintendent of Fateh Muhammad Buzdar Institute of Cardiology has submitted its report regarding the viral video showing a security guard performing an ECG on a patient.

According to the inquiry findings, the incident took place seven months ago - on February 18, but went unnoticed by the on-duty doctor at the time.

The report revealed that duty statements of the doctor and nursing staff were recorded, while the security guard, who is the key figure in the viral video, failed to appear before the committee.

The inquiry revealed that on the day of the incident, two nurses - Rubab Bashir and Isra - were assigned to the ward. However, due to a heavy patient load, Nurse Isra was sent to the OPD, leaving only Rubab Bashir on duty.

The report further noted that Nurse Rubab was not trained to perform ECGs, which allegedly prompted the security guard to take over the task himself.

Holding both nurses responsible for negligence, the committee recommended that they be issued written warnings, which will become part of their official service records.

The duty doctor was also strictly instructed to ensure that such incidents are never repeated in the future.

The committee further advised that the security company take stern action against the guard, including termination from service, while the cleaning contractor has been directed to ensure that janitorial staff refrain from interfering in any medical activities within the hospital.

The report has been submitted to Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Ramzan Soomro, who has initiated further departmental action based on the committee's recommendations. The footage sparked widespread public outrage and prompted Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid to order an immediate inquiry into the matter.

According to initial findings, the institute has been plagued by untrained staff, poor hygiene, and a shortage of doctors and nurses.

In many cases, ward boys and sanitary workers have allegedly been checking patients' blood pressure, while security guards have been tasked with conducting ECGs - a gross violation of medical protocols that puts patients' lives at risk.

Sources further revealed that despite a ban on appointments and transfers imposed by the Punjab government before the 2024 general elections, 123 employees were hired against 96 sanctioned posts in October 2023.

The hospital's internal conditions are reportedly deteriorating, with complaints of negligence, mismanagement, and poor patient care mounting in recent months.

Patients have also voiced frustration over long surgical delays, claiming that bypass surgery cases are being given operation dates four to five months later, forcing many to seek private treatment.