GUJRAT: A private clinic’s operation theatre was sealed on Friday after a young man died there allegedly after being administered anesthesia by the surgeon himself in Model Town, Gujranwala.

The district health authority has sent a report on the matter to the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) for further action.

As per health department sources, Gulfam Ahmed (27) of Dhaley area, had been admitted to the private clinic owned by Dr Nawaz in Model Town for a hernia surgery.

However, instead of hiring an anesthetist, Dr Nawaz himself administered the anesthesia to the patient. Soon after he was administered anesthesia, the patient’s condition deteriorated and he died before the surgery.

Following the patient’s death, the surgeon and his staff fled the clinic with the surgical record. Taking notice of the incident, Chief Executive Officer (health) Dr Moiz sent District Health Officer Dr Saqib to the clinic, who later sealed its operation theatre and sent a detailed report of the incident to the PHC.

The patient’s body was later shifted to Gujranwala District Headquarters Hospital where doctors conducted an autopsy. The body was later handed over to the heirs of the deceased.

The heirs have lodged a complaint with the local police for the registration of a case against the surgeon and his staff.

The police have started investigations into the incident before registering the case.

The deceased was laid to rest in a local graveyard.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025