Lahore, February 10, 2025 – A serious complaint has been lodged against a prominent hospital in Lahore for alleged negligence and unethical medical practices. The incident has raised concerns regarding patient rights and medical ethics in Lahore’s healthcare sector.
Bilal Malik, a resident of Lahore, has accused Hameed Latif Hospital of subjecting his family to gross malpractice, resulting in immense suffering for his late mother, Shama Ahad. The complaint highlights severe lapses in medical judgment and patient care at one of Lahore’s well-known hospitals.
On February 2, 2025, Shama Ahad suffered a cardiac arrest. Her family immediately called 1122 and rushed her to the nearest hospital. Upon arrival, she was revived through CPR and admitted to Medical ICU-2. Doctors advised a ventilator placement, requiring consent for an invasive procedure. With no medical background, Bilal Malik struggled to comprehend the situation fully. Seeking guidance, he consulted other families in the ICU waiting area of the Lahore hospital, who advised conducting an EEG to assess brain function before proceeding.
When the family insisted on an EEG before further intervention, the attending doctors resisted. Dr. Azhar Hussain, acting head of the ICU, pressured them to approve the procedure. He dismissed concerns about brain damage, arguing that an EEG after CPR would be unreliable. Lacking expertise, the family deferred to his judgment, agreeing to delay the EEG until the following morning.
However, on February 3, Dr. Azhar refused to conduct the EEG, claiming sedative drugs needed to wear off over two days for accurate results. When the family pushed for immediate action, he warned that their insistence might lead to ventilator removal on “compassionate grounds,” eliminating any chance of survival. Fearing the worst, the family complied. Two days later, Dr. Azhar suggested an MRI at another hospital in Lahore instead of an EEG. The family opposed this, stating an EEG should precede an MRI, but their concerns were dismissed.
Upon the return of ICU head Dr. Tanvir on February 5, he promptly ordered an EEG. Despite a public holiday, he arranged for an external team to conduct the test. The results confirmed severe brain damage, validating the family’s original concerns. Dr. Tanvir advised against further ventilatory support, recommending a dignified passing. However, Dr. Azhar reportedly pressured the family into continuing life support, contradicting their wishes.
Following ventilator removal, Shama Ahad remained in a vegetative state for 24 hours before passing away. The family has accused Dr. Azhar and his team of prolonging her suffering for financial gain, generating hospital bills exceeding Rs. 1 million. They demand immediate disciplinary action, an apology, and financial compensation from the Lahore hospital administration. If action is not taken within three days, they plan to escalate the case to legal and public forums.