Warns of action against medicos for halting patient care; slams disruption of emergency services
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday strongly criticised the shutdown of medical services at Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital—affiliated with Government Medical College (GMC)—during a protest by doctors over an alleged assault on a resident doctor. She asserted that while violence against medical staff is unacceptable, disrupting patient care in response is equally indefensible and warned of strict action against those responsible.
The protest erupted after a third-year postgraduate resident doctor from the Medicine Department was allegedly slapped by a patient’s attendant on Wednesday night following the patient’s death in the emergency ward. CCTV footage of the incident, which has gone viral, reportedly shows the attendant striking the doctor.
In retaliation, hundreds of doctors launched a mass protest, suspending all medical services including OPD and emergency care, and shutting the hospital’s main gates. The resulting disruption left numerous patients, including several critical cases, without treatment for hours. Frustrated and distressed, many were forced to leave the premises without receiving any medical attention.
Although the accused was swiftly arrested by the police, doctors continued their agitation, demanding strict legal action. During the protest, reports emerged that protesting medicos blocked emergency entrances, closed operating theatres, halted treatment services, and even confronted journalists on-site.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Minister Itoo condemned both the assault on the doctor and the subsequent strike that crippled healthcare services. “The incident should not have happened. There are laws to deal with such acts. But closing down the hospital and punishing innocent patients is not acceptable,” she said.
She added, “If any individual misbehaved, the matter should have been escalated through legal and departmental channels. But shutting emergency and OT services, letting patients run from pillar to post in pain, is unacceptable. Action will be taken if negligence in patient care is established.”
Itoo also urged doctors to uphold professionalism and empathy in dealing with patients and their families. “Doctors are not magicians, but they must treat with dedication and decency. The hospital environment is already emotionally charged, and medical professionals must maintain composure,” she said.
Reiterating her commitment to patient rights and accountability, Itoo stated that the incident is under investigation and affirmed that such disruptions to essential health services “won’t be tolerated.”
