My brother suffered from a massive heart attack in the summer of 2007. He was brought to the Doctors Hospital (Lahore) emergency department. He was valuated and diagnosed efficiently and admitted to the CCU. I took a flight from Karachi and was in the Doctors Hospital in 3 hours.
My brother underwent emergency cardiac angiography and senior cardiologist (Professor Sheharyar) did not consider him suitable for angioplasty. Next morning, my brother had a triple coronary artery bypass surgery (cardiac surgeon Dr Hameed). His Post-Operative recovery was uneventful.
My elderly mother fell seriously ill. After an initial faulty diagnosis and mismanagement at another large Institution in Lahore; she was transferred to Doctors Hospital. I spent one full week in Doctors Hospital. She had nearly total body scanning (brain, lungs and abdomen) at body imaging centre (Dr Javed Asghar).
He was most instrumental in arriving at the correct diagnosis of malignant brain tumour and a tumor in the lungs. I was indeed impressed by his efficiency, expertise and the guidance he provided during her treatment in the hospital. Despite old age (88 yrs) and frail health, she underwent craniotomy and removal of tumour successfully (Professor A. Vohra). She required critical care in ICU for several days.
Professor Kamran Cheema in-charge of ICU at Doctors Hospital managed the compromised pulmonary function of the patient efficiently and effectively. By the grace of God, three months after the operation my mom is doing well. I don't take lightly sharing my family issues with your readers. It is justified only because I am concerned about an issue of national importance - health care.
As a senior surgeon with extensive international and domestic experience, I can say without a doubt that two members of my family received outstanding and compassionate care at the Doctors Hospital. There is a loud public protest and media publicity regarding the care of 'some' patients at the Doctors Hospital. These matters should be investigated professionally and scientifically.
Medical institutions and doctors are required to uphold safe and sound practices and procedures. In case malpractice is proven by a professional panel, financial compensation to patient/family should be provided. Remedial measures against the professionals involved should be undertaken. Cancellation of medical licence is unjustified and an extreme step at first occurrence.
Professor Ghazanfar Ali Shah is the senior-most surgeon at Doctors Hospital. He is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant and accomplished surgeons of his generation in our country. Highly-trained and skilled medical professionals are precious national resources. It is our duty to provide them a conducive environment to work and serve our nation. Harassment of such a cadre shows our immaturity and poor judgement. The current environment in Lahore is very charged and I fear we may throw out the baby with the bath water.
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