Srinagar | In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, a final-year MBBS student at Lalla Ded Hospital, affiliated with Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, is facing severe criticism for allegedly filming a live surgical procedure inside a restricted hospital zone and uploading it on social media.
Video Shows Patient’s Body Without Consent
The controversial video, which has gone viral, shows the student casually walking through the operation theatre and labour room—both high-security, restricted zones—while recording. At one point, he films a patient undergoing a live surgical procedure, capturing parts of the patient’s body without consent.
The clip was posted online as a celebratory vlog marking the student’s first delivery case, but it has sparked widespread public and professional condemnation over gross violations of privacy and ethical conduct.
Irresponsible Behaviour Draws Condemnation
In the video, the student is heard saying, “We went to the labour room, there was nothing, so we are going to the OT,” before panning the camera to a live delivery. He adds, “It’s our first patient’s delivery.”
He is also seen posing for selfies in the hospital corridors along with two fellow students, smiling and apparently unconcerned about the seriousness of their environment. According to reports, even close family members are denied access to these areas, making the filming and publication even more alarming.
Medical Council Issues Stern Guidelines
Reacting swiftly, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC) issued a strong advisory to all registered medical practitioners, reaffirming the importance of upholding patient confidentiality and professional ethics—particularly on social media platforms.
The advisory stressed that:
- No patient-related content—images, procedures, or outcomes—should be shared without explicit informed consent.
- Any consent obtained while the patient is in a vulnerable state (physically, emotionally, or mentally) is deemed invalid.
- Doctors are strictly barred from advertising, self-promotion, or engaging in activities like buying followers, boosting rankings, or sharing testimonials and endorsements.
The JKMC reminded practitioners that public discussions on diagnosis or treatment must be limited to appropriate telemedicine or in-person consultations.
No Place for Showcasing Surgeries or Patient Images
The guidelines also prohibit showcasing medical procedures, surgical results, or posting images of healed patients online. Additionally, endorsements of products or medicines, as well as direct or indirect patient solicitation through social media, have been categorically banned.
Doctors were urged to maintain a professional online presence aligned with truthfulness, medical ethics, and respect for patients and colleagues.
Hospital Launches Internal Inquiry
In response, GMC Srinagar has constituted an internal inquiry committee to investigate the matter and recommend disciplinary action.
In an official statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the college announced:
“Enquiry Committee constituted to investigate video circulated on social media regarding Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar. Committee with medical and IT experts to submit a report within 24 hours. Appropriate disciplinary action to follow.”
Disciplinary Action Likely
A senior GMC official commented, “This is a serious breach of medical conduct. These students are in their final year and were posted in the hospital. Once the inquiry is complete, immediate suspension will follow for those involved.”
The incident has reignited debates on ethical training in medical colleges and the responsible use of social media by future healthcare professionals.
