Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)A resident doctor from Uttar Pradesh was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s attendant at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital late Tuesday night, triggering strong protests by doctors and medical staff who demanded strict action against the perpetrator.
The incident reportedly took place in the emergency ward after a patient, who had been brought in critical condition, passed away. Following the death, one of the attendants allegedly attacked Dr. Shahnawaz, a junior resident on duty, and physically assaulted him.
CCTV footage of the assault has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation from the medical community and raising serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers.
Speaking about the incident, Dr. Shahnawaz said he was at the medical reception when the patient was brought in. After an initial assessment, the patient was referred to the triage room for further evaluation. Unfortunately, the patient could not be revived.
“After the patient died, one of the attendants approached me and kicked me. We are here to save lives, not to be assaulted,” said the doctor, urging authorities to launch a high-level inquiry into the matter.
The assault led to a massive protest inside the hospital premises, with resident doctors, interns, and staff from Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and its associated hospitals rallying together. The protesting medics raised slogans demanding justice and security, and called for immediate action against those involved in the attack.
Hospital administration has confirmed that legal proceedings are underway and an FIR (No. 11/2025) has been registered at the concerned police station.
This is the second reported assault on a doctor in Jammu and Kashmir in recent days. Just last week, a female doctor at GMC Jammu was allegedly attacked by attendants after a patient died in the emergency ward.
Medical associations have once again renewed their call for stronger legal protection and enforcement to safeguard healthcare professionals across the UT(DD)