by Rayees Ahmad Kumar
A doctor assaulted at SMHS sparked protests and service suspension. The incident highlights strained doctor-patient relations, urging mutual respect, accountability, and protection for healthcare professionals.
A disturbing scene unfolded at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar when a resident doctor, Dr Shahnawaz, was assaulted by a patient’s attendant, sparking widespread protests from the medical fraternity. The incident occurred on July 22, 2025, in the hospital’s emergency ward after a patient, Javid Ahmad, died—allegedly due to medical negligence.
In response, resident doctors suspended medical services and locked the hospital gates, causing chaos and anguish among patients and their families. Hundreds were left stranded, some desperately seeking urgent medical attention. The patient’s family alleged that Dr Shahnawaz ignored Javid’s worsening condition and asked them to bring medicines from outside, which they claimed contributed to his death. They demanded access to CCTV footage and an independent investigation.
A video that surfaced soon after showed the doctor being slapped by an attendant—footage that triggered outrage among healthcare professionals. The doctors demanded strict action against the accused and better protection for hospital staff. The GMC Srinagar administration condemned the assault, and an FIR was lodged against the alleged attacker. Officials also reminded the public that hospitals are “public institutions serving humanity,” and urged for restraint and mutual respect during moments of distress.
The incident is not an isolated one. Similar episodes have occurred across public health institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, each igniting public debate and concern. The medical profession is one of the noblest callings. In moments of desperation and pain, the doctor becomes a patient’s only hope—often revered as being next to God for their life-saving role. Societies must respect doctors, not only because of their profession, but because of their selfless dedication during wars, natural disasters, and global pandemics. History—from the World Wars to COVID-19—is filled with examples of healthcare workers rising heroically to save lives.
But acknowledging this once a year on July 1 with seminars and debates is not enough. Unless we are morally upright in recognising and respecting the role of frontline health workers, our gestures will remain hollow. These professionals spend long hours in hospitals, sacrificing family time and even neglecting their personal well-being for the sake of patients.
Becoming a doctor is a dream for many students, but only those who work relentlessly and study with passion earn the right to prefix ‘Dr’ before their names—a title earned through sheer grit and intellectual strength. It deserves respect, not hostility. Harassing doctors and creating an atmosphere where they consider leaving the region for safer work environments is deeply troubling, especially for underprivileged communities dependent on government healthcare.
However, the doctors’ protest—locking the emergency ward and suspending OPD services—was a step too far. In doing so, they turned away many poor and ill patients, a reaction that cannot be condoned. Doctors cannot deny treatment because of misbehaviour from a single individual. Such incidents, though unfortunate, happen occasionally and often reflect a breakdown in communication or trust. It is also true that some attendants and patients misbehave with doctors for no valid reason. To prevent such situations, the existing laws that safeguard medical professionals must be implemented rigorously.
I speak not just as a writer, but as someone who has personally experienced the life-saving care of doctors. Three years ago, I suffered a partial Achilles tendon rupture in Ganderbal. I was admitted to SKIMS, Soura, for nine days, underwent successful surgery under renowned plastic surgeon Dr Umar Farooq Baba, and eventually recovered after four months of immobility. The compassion and care I received from Dr Umar and the hospital staff were exemplary. My trust in the local healthcare system remained firm, despite suggestions to seek treatment outside the state.
Doctors deserve public appreciation, but they also must remain committed to their duty, especially in times of crisis. Only then can we bridge the growing trust gap between healthcare providers and the public.
(A teacher, the author is a writer from Qazigund, Kashmir. Ideas are personal)
