Punjab Institute of Mental Health patient drives ambulance to Shahdara hospital, calls himself the new superintendent

LAHORE: A patient from the Punjab Institute of Mental Health reportedly drove an ambulance out of the facility and made his way to a major public hospital, where he attempted to assume charge as a senior official.

The individual reached Government Shahdara Teaching Hospital and introduced himself as the newly appointed medical superintendent. According to reports, he held a brief interaction with administrative staff, claiming he had been assigned the role by the Punjab government and had arrived to take over his responsibilities.

Hospital officials were initially taken aback, as his manner of speaking and use of formal administrative language appeared convincing. His tone and choice of words reportedly resembled that of experienced officials, which added to the confusion.

The situation prompted concern among senior administrators, who contacted higher authorities to verify the unexpected claim of a leadership change. It was during this verification process that the individual’s identity came into question, revealing that he was in fact a patient who had left the mental health facility without authorization.

The incident has raised questions about security protocols at medical institutions, particularly regarding the movement of patients and access to official vehicles.