Assault On SMHS Doctor Sparks Protest, Patient Care Paralyzed

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Tensions ran high at Srinagar's Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital on Wednesday after a violent assault on a resident doctor triggered a dramatic protest by medical staff, who shut the hospital's main gates and brought patient services to a grinding halt. The action led to scenes of chaos and despair, with ambulances stranded and hundreds of patients left unattended.

The flashpoint came after Dr. Shahnawaz, a resident doctor, was allegedly attacked by a patient's attendant.

“The incident took place at around 12:15 am on Tuesday. I was at the medical reception when the patient was brought in. After assessing the patient, his vitals were not recorded, and he was sent to the triage room for further investigation. Unfortunately, the patient later died,” Dr. Shahnawaz said.

Following the death, tensions escalated.“An attendant in his 40s came and kicked me. There are no consultants, CMOs, or security personnel present at night, making it extremely risky for us to work under such conditions,” he added.

Calling for concrete safeguards, he continued:“We want a clear assurance that such incidents will not happen again. It has almost become a routine now-every alternate day, a doctor is either verbally or physically assaulted by patients or their attendants. While FIRs are registered, no concrete action follows. We want the culprits to be arrested, and we demand the presence of J&K Police to ensure our safety inside hospitals.”

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Doctors Shut Hospital Gates, Services Disrupted

In response, resident doctors suspended medical services and locked the hospital gates. Dressed in white coats and holding placards, they staged a sit-in outside the emergency wing, highlighting what they termed a growing crisis of violence against healthcare workers.

“The physical assault on any medical professional is unacceptable and inexcusable. We demand strict action against the accused and immediate steps to ensure our safety while we discharge our duties,” said a protesting doctor.

But the protest had immediate consequences. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients were left waiting at the gates. One of the most harrowing moments came when a man from south Kashmir's Pulwama arrived carrying his electrocuted son in his arms, only to find the entrance shut.“My son has received an electric shock and needs urgent medical attention. I beg of them, don't let him die like this,” he pleaded.

Patients' Families Stage Counter-Protest

The standoff triggered a spontaneous counter-protest by attendants and families of patients who were unable to access care.“We don't support violence, but why should the patients pay the price for someone else's mistake?” asked an elderly woman waiting with her sick husband.“This is a hospital, not a battlefield.”

Tensions escalated further as both sides-doctors demanding safety and attendants demanding access-stood their ground. Police were deployed to maintain order and prevent further escalation.

Hospital officials confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed against the accused.“We condemn the assault on our doctor. Violence in any form cannot be tolerated in medical institutions,” said a senior SMHS official. He added that the administration was in active discussions with police and the protesting doctors to find a resolution.“Our priority remains the well-being of the patients while also ensuring the safety and dignity of our staff,” he said.

Family Alleges Negligence

Meanwhile, allegations of medical negligence emerged in connection with the death of Javid Ahmad, an employee of Srinagar Municipal Corporation. His family claimed that Javid was suffering from chest discomfort and was allegedly denied oxygen support by doctors, despite repeated pleas. They alleged that the attending doctor, later assaulted, paid little heed and instead asked them to procure medicines from outside. Tragically, Javid died before the medicines arrived.

The family, while admitting that slapping the doctor was wrong, insisted that the perceived negligence caused the death. They have demanded access to CCTV footage and called for an impartial probe into the incident.

The protest drew hundreds of resident doctors, interns, and staff from GMC Srinagar and affiliated institutions. Demonstrators chanted slogans, condemned the assault, and called for lasting security arrangements in all healthcare facilities.

“We are not here to be attacked; we are here to heal,” said one protesting doctor.“These incidents are no longer rare-they are becoming distressingly recurrent,” said another.

Doctors also voiced concern about institutional silence.“How long are we expected to keep quiet while our own lives are in danger?” asked a junior resident.

GMC Srinagar administration issued a statement denouncing the assault and urged the public to remain calm during medical emergencies. It confirmed that FIR No. 11/2025 had been lodged and that an investigation was underway.

A senior police official said the case is being pursued rigorously and assured that the perpetrator would be held accountable under the law.

The medical fraternity warned that if their safety concerns are not addressed, they may escalate their protest.“If it was Dr. Shahnawaz today, tomorrow it could be anyone among us,” a senior doctor said.“We need assurance that we can work without fear.”

Doctors urged the government to treat hospitals as secure spaces for both caregivers and patients and to implement strong deterrents against future assaults.

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