2 Fake Doctors Held for Surgery at Bahawalnagar Hospital

Health officials in Bahawalnagar raided a privately-run clinic in Hussainabad Chowk, discovering two unqualified men performing surgery, even though neither possessed a medical license. A surprise inspection prompted the arrests, while the hospital’s owner, Aslam Hayat, is at large. The facility, operating illegally for approximately 15 years despite prior sealings, was finally shut down. All patients were transferred to the DHQ Hospital by Rescue 1122. The case raises serious concerns about the prevalence of uncertified medical practice in rural Punjab.

• Incident Location: Zubaida Naik Hospital, Hussainabad Chowk, Bahawalnagar

• Fake Surgeons: Two unlicensed individuals arrested while performing a C-section

• Hospital Owner: Aslam Hayat, reportedly unqualified, fled after the inspection

• Other Unqualified Staff: A Total of four persons in medical uniforms were found in the OR

• Hospital History: Illegally operating for nearly 15 years; evaded closure by paying fines

• Patients’ Safety: All admitted patients were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital via Rescue 1122

• Systemic Concern: Dozens of similar unlicensed clinics have been identified across the Bahawalnagar district and nearby towns.

Surprise Inspection

A routine check by the Deputy District Health Officer led to the raid. Officials found multiple patients who had undergone surgeries, mainly C-sections, administered by individuals lacking credentials.

Immediate Action

Upon confirming the lack of valid licences, two suspects were arrested on the spot. The owner, Aslam Hayat, failed to provide documentation and escaped before authorities could apprehend him. The hospital was promptly sealed.

Patient Care Measures

Rescue 1122 teams moved patients to the nearby DHQ Hospital for proper treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that the facility had no registered doctors.

• This case echoes similar incidents nationwide, including one at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, where a fake doctor was caught in an emergency ward.

• In Lahore, a fake neurosurgeon practiced at Services Hospital for eight months before being exposed. 

• Another instance in Sahiwal witnessed three fake practitioners operating for months before detection.

These events highlight widespread corruption and enforcement deficits, particularly in smaller cities.

Arrested Individuals

Two individuals, both dressed in doctors’ outfits, admitted to performing surgeries without any formal medical education. They were employed by the hospital owner to carry out operations.

The Owner

Aslam Hayat, the unqualified owner running the facility for 15 years, is currently evading arrest. Despite previous seals and raids, he reinstated operations by paying minimal fines.

Health Authorities

• Deputy District Health Officer filed an FIR and led the raid.

• Local B-Division police booked five suspects under charges of practicing medicine without a license.

Rescue & Security Teams

Rescue 1122 and local police executed patient evacuations and secured the hospital premises after sealing.

• Patients who underwent surgeries—some obstetric procedures—were unknowingly treated by unqualified personnel, risking life-threatening complications.

• Relocated patients are now under proper medical supervision at DHQ Hospital.

• Community outrage is growing, with citizens demanding accountability and stricter enforcement against quack clinics.

The arrest of two fake doctors operating on real patients in Bahawalnagar is a startling example of systemic failures in healthcare regulation. That the illegal hospital managed to run for nearly 15 years—despite prior raids—reflects deep procedural & enforcement gaps. Patients’ lives were put at grave risk, and only quick law enforcement intervention halted further harm.