MULTAN: Nishtar Hospital has terminated an additional house officer, Dr. Qasim Jamal, after a video showing him misbehaving with a patient’s family went viral on social media. The incident occurred when the patient’s attendants expressed anger over the refusal of a blood transfusion, and the doctor responded by raising his middle finger and walking away.
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The doctor was initially suspended on December 19, a day after the incident, and an inquiry committee was formed to investigate. The hospital stated that Dr. Jamal violated professional ethics and hospital rules, resulting in his immediate termination.
Shocking misconduct at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. While a patient passed away due to alleged negligence, a doctor repeatedly made disrespectful gestures at the grieving family. Such behavior is unacceptable in any hospital. Accountability is a must#MaryamNawazSharif #GovtOfPunjab pic.twitter.com/31ykCpeqUB
— Umar Chaman Chiniot (@AUC_3800) December 19, 2025
According to the hospital’s report, the patient had been admitted in critical condition and was being stabilised for a transfer to another ward for blood transfusions. However, her condition deteriorated, prompting agitation among her attendants. The report said the family misbehaved with hospital staff, which escalated the situation.
Dr. Jamal issued a statement claiming his gesture was a “symbol of protest” against harassment by the patient’s family. He said he and other staff were managing multiple critical patients while the family shouted, abused, and physically threatened them. He insisted he did not use profanity or assault anyone.
He argued that the gesture was a reaction to repeated provocation under severe stress and not an unprovoked act. Dr. Jamal also criticised the security staff for allowing multiple men with mobile cameras into the restricted emergency area, contributing to the chaos.
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Despite admitting to mental stress, he requested reinstatement to complete his training, arguing that his silent gesture did not violate hospital rules. The hospital, however, maintained that the behaviour breached professional standards and warranted dismissal.