KARACHI: A recent incident at Lady Willingdon Hospital has raised serious concerns within the medical community regarding professional ethics and operating theatre (OT) protocols.
According to a senior healthcare professional, surgeons at the facility were reportedly performing two procedures simultaneously in a single operating room while engaging in casual conversation and competitive commentary, allegedly treating the surgeries as a race. The entire episode was also filmed, drawing widespread criticism for being highly unethical and unprofessional.
Akhtiar Ahmed Solangi, an experienced medical professional, has called on health authorities to take immediate notice of the situation and enforce stricter regulations. He emphasized the need to restrict access to OT attire exclusively to surgeons and essential OT staff, noting that the current practice of allowing various categories of hospital workers—including non-clinical staff—to wear OT uniforms has blurred professional distinctions and violated established protocols.
He further highlighted that in many public sector hospitals, individuals from diverse roles such as technicians, sanitary workers, porters, and administrative staff are seen wearing OT dress, undermining the clear identification of doctors, nurses, and surgical teams.
Solangi suggested that doctors should adhere to wearing white coats, while other staff should follow internationally recognized dress codes relevant to their roles.
The primary objective, he said, is to enhance public awareness, ensure transparency, and prevent misrepresentation within healthcare settings. He also urged authorities to strictly implement existing laws and standard operating procedures in both public and private hospitals.
While expressing concern over inappropriate video recording inside operating rooms, Solangi clarified that educational and awareness-driven content—such as documentation of complex or life-saving surgeries—can be shared responsibly for knowledge dissemination, provided ethical guidelines are followed.
The incident has triggered a broader discussion among healthcare professionals about maintaining discipline, dignity, and ethical standards in clinical environments.
