Mentally challenged patient drives ambulance to Shahdara Hospital claiming role as MS

A mentally challenged patient from the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) caused a stir on Thursday by driving one of the institute’s ambulances to the Government Shahdara Teaching Hospital, claiming he had been appointed the hospital’s new medical superintendent (MS).

As per Dawn, the patient, identified as Rehanul Haq, reportedly approached senior hospital officials, insisting that the Punjab government had assigned him to lead the facility. His manner of speaking and use of professional terminology initially confused the administrators, prompting them to contact higher authorities to confirm the sudden leadership change.

The situation came to light when staff noticed that the uniform worn by the visitor bore the initials “PIMH.” Officials immediately contacted the additional medical superintendent (AMS) of PIMH, who confirmed that Rehanul, a long-term patient in the Special Medical Ward since 2022, had gone missing along with an ambulance earlier in the day.

Police Take Patient into Custody; Security Lapses Under Scrutiny

Police were alerted to the incident at 9:40 a.m., with Sub-Inspector Mohammad Nasir responding as the first officer on the scene. He reported that the stolen ambulance had triggered high alert in the city, which was hosting Pakistan Super League matches and international visitors at the time.

Investigations revealed that three ambulances had left PIMH that morning. Two were later traced near Shadman, while the third, driven by Rehanul, was detected on The Mall route. Shahdara Teaching Hospital authorities contacted PIMH after confirming the presence of the missing patient and the ambulance at their premises.

Officials expressed astonishment that Rehanul navigated approximately 14 kilometres of busy Lahore roads in the ambulance without any accidents. The incident highlighted serious security lapses at PIMH, particularly at the main gate, where protocols require verification of authorized drivers and registered vehicles for patient transport.

In response, PIMH has formed a four-member committee to investigate the breach. The panel, led by Prof Dr Nauman Mazhar and including AMS Dr Hanan Sarfraz, Dr Romana Ashfaq, and Dr Adeel Ayub, will determine accountability and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. Action against negligent staff, especially those posted at the main entrance during the incident, is expected based on the inquiry’s findings.

Authorities have emphasised that while the patient is now safely back in custody, the case underscores the need for stricter security measures at mental health institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.