SMHS Hospital became the epicenter of turmoil Wednesday as doctors went on strike following an alleged assault on a physician, while grieving family members accused medical staff of negligence leading to a patient’s death. The confrontation paralyzed hospital operations and sparked heated debates about Kashmir’s healthcare crisis.
Incident Timeline :
The unrest began when Abid Hussain Bhat allegedly slapped an emergency ward doctor Tuesday night, hours after his brother-in-law Javid Ahmad died under disputed circumstances. While doctors claim the assault was unprovoked, Bhat maintains he reacted after finding physicians “laughing” while his relative lay dead. A viral CCTV clip of the slap intensified tensions, prompting resident doctors to blockade hospital gates Wednesday – even turning away an electrocution victim.
Dueling Narratives :
Medical staff insist they followed protocol for Javid’s chest pain treatment, with GMC Srinagar condemning the violence against healthcare workers. However, the family alleges critical oxygen support was denied despite repeated pleas.
The standoff reached fever pitch when journalists covering the protest faced physical intimidation from striking doctors, with reporter Sufi Hidayah describing attempts to “pull my clothes” and block patient interviews.
With FIR No. 11/2025 registered and investigations ongoing, the SMHS administration struggles to restore operations amid deepening mistrust between medical professionals and the communities they serve.
