Overcrowding & Violence: SMHS Hospital Incident Raises Serious Concerns

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has issued a renewed appeal for public cooperation and stricter regulation inside hospital premises after a resident doctor was assaulted in the emergency ward of SMHS Hospital. The incident, which took place on the night of July 22, has once again brought to light the growing tension between medical professionals and attendants in Kashmir's overcrowded healthcare facilities.

Terming the incident“unfortunate but revealing,” SMHS Hospital Administrator Muhammad Ashraf Hakak said the assault underscores the urgent need for better crowd control and public discipline within hospitals.“One patient is usually accompanied by three to four attendants. Most of them play no role in the treatment process but end up overcrowding emergency wards and interfering with procedures,” Hakak told reporters during a press briefing.

According to officials, the assault occurred when a critically ill patient was brought to the hospital's emergency wing. While doctors were attending to the case, one of the attendants allegedly attacked a junior doctor from behind. The moment, captured by CCTV cameras, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation. Though the accused was later seen apologizing in a separate video, an FIR has been formally registered against him.

Despite the disturbing nature of the assault, Hakak confirmed that all medical services continued without interruption.“Not a single section was shut. Emergency care remained operational throughout. Our doctors responded with professionalism and restraint,” he emphasized.

Dispelling rumors of any press-related obstruction during the incident, the administrator said,“We fully respect and value the role of media as a public bridge. There was no official instruction to hinder media access.” He also clarified that the brief closure of the hospital gates, which led to speculation, coincided with the end of routine OPD hours and was not linked to any administrative clampdown.

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GMC Srinagar handles an overwhelming patient load every year-over 27 lakh individuals across its associated hospitals, with thousands of surgeries conducted in a constrained infrastructure.“We are not short of manpower. But without proper entry regulations and a secure atmosphere, even the best teams struggle to function,” Hakak pointed out.

He further noted that the hospital has a well-structured system in place, including full rosters, round-the-clock duty schedules, and department heads remaining present through the night.

Calling for a societal shift in how patients and attendants engage with the healthcare system, Hakak concluded,“This is not just about one incident. It's a growing pattern that threatens the safety of medical staff. Doctors must be allowed to work without fear, interference, or aggression.”

The administration has pledged to intensify awareness efforts and seek community cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.

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