The Lahore doctor case verdict from the Medical Tribunal has set aside findings of negligence and dishonesty against senior anaesthetist Dr Muhammad Sheraz Saleem over the death of a child after surgery in 2021. The tribunal overturned the cancellation of his licence, ordered that his case be reconsidered in a fresh inquiry, and stated clearly that he has not been exonerated.
What the tribunal decided
The consolidated judgment was authored by tribunal chairman retired justice Safdar Saleem Shahid and dealt with four appeals linked to the death of Hafsa Umer. She suffered a serious medical emergency during an orthopaedic procedure at Hameed Latif Hospital on March 20, 2021, and died three days later.
The tribunal allowed Dr Saleem’s appeal and directed that his case be looked at again. It also partly allowed an appeal by the child’s father, Umer Farooq, telling the regulator to reconsider his complaints against specific practitioners after giving him an opportunity to respond.
Why the Lahore doctor penalty was reviewed
The tribunal said several questions remained unresolved. Those included the timing of the medical emergency, how footage should be interpreted, whether recorded times were accurate, and what responsibilities different doctors held.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council was directed to provide an indexed copy of the relevant proceedings, including expert opinions and statements, within 14 days. That step sits alongside the order for a fresh inquiry into Dr Saleem’s case and the partial relief granted on the father’s complaints.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- March 20, 2021: Hafsa Umer suffered a serious medical emergency during an orthopaedic procedure at Hameed Latif Hospital.
- Three days later: Hafsa Umer died.
- Tribunal judgment (current): Findings of negligence and dishonesty against Dr Muhammad Sheraz Saleem are set aside; licence cancellation is overturned; a fresh inquiry is ordered; he is not exonerated.
- Within 14 days of the order: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council must supply an indexed copy of the proceedings, including expert opinions and statements.
- Alongside that process: The regulator must reconsider Umer Farooq’s complaints against specific practitioners after giving him a chance to respond.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Medical Tribunal ne senior anaesthetist Dr Muhammad Sheraz Saleem ke khilaf negligence aur dishonesty ki findings hata di hain. Unka licence cancel karne wala faisla bhi wapas le liya gaya hai, lekin tribunal ne kaha ke woh bari nahi hue. Ab unke case ka naya inquiry hoga, aur Hafsa Umer ke walid Umer Farooq ki kuch complaints bhi dubara dekhi jaengi. Pakistan Medical and Dental Council ko 14 din mein related proceedings ka indexed copy dena hai.
