**Punjab Healthcare Commission Refers Cases of 10 Negligent Doctors for Further Action; Imposes Fines on Hospitals and Medical Staff**
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has referred the cases of 10 doctors found guilty of medical negligence to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the provincial Health Department for further disciplinary action. The commission has also imposed substantial fines on both medical facilities and healthcare professionals following thorough investigations.
The PHC Board of Commissioners reached these decisions after completing its review of medical negligence complaints. In addition to referring the doctors’ cases, the board has fined healthcare institutions a total of Rs 9.85 million for administrative shortcomings. Doctors proven guilty of negligence face cumulative fines amounting to Rs 5.8 million.
Disciplinary action has also been extended to nursing staff: one nurse’s case has been sent to the Pakistan Nursing Council for further proceedings, and nurses found to have been derelict in their duties have been fined a total of Rs 300,000.
Since becoming fully operational, the PHC Board of Commissioners has held eight meetings, during which all parties were given the opportunity to present their cases. The board has so far ruled on 66 cases and finalized its review of an additional 48 cases. The board has directed its Complaints Directorate to prioritize the prompt resolution of outstanding applications to ensure timely justice for affected individuals.
