Srinagar, July 23 : Protests broke out at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar on Wednesday after a doctor was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s attendant, triggering strong condemnation and demonstrations from the medical fraternity.
Hundreds of doctors from Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and its affiliated hospitals gathered at the hospital to express anger over the incident and demand strict action against the accused.
“This is unacceptable. A patient came to the emergency ward and slapped a doctor on duty. We are here to serve the people, but there must be mutual respect,” said one of the protesting doctors.
A CCTV video of the incident, showing a man slapping the doctor inside the hospital, has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns over the safety of healthcare workers.
GMC Srinagar issued a statement condemning the assault, calling hospitals public assets meant for patient care. “Healthcare staff work round the clock to serve patients. We urge attendants to cooperate and act responsibly,” the statement read.
The GMC administration confirmed that legal action has been taken in connection with the incident, which occurred on July 22, 2025.
A senior police officer said that an FIR No. 11/2025 was registered on July 23, 2025, and further investigation is underway.
Doctors have called on authorities to ensure justice and implement strong measures to prevent such incidents in the future.(KNS)
