Tensions ran high at Srinagar’s Government Medical College (GMC) hospital following a shocking incident where Abid Hussain Bhat, a resident of Basant Bagh, allegedly slapped a doctor inside the emergency ward on Tuesday night. The attack occurred while the doctor was attending to patients, leading to immediate backlash from the medical community and a temporary shutdown of services at the hospital.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation among doctors and healthcare workers who called for stricter safety measures and accountability. “This is strongly condemnable. We are here to serve people, but there must be cooperation and respect,” a group of protesting doctors told the press, expressing their frustration and concern for workplace safety.
In response to the assault, hundreds of doctors from GMC Srinagar and its affiliated hospitals gathered at the SMHS hospital, staging a protest to demand immediate and firm action against the attacker, as well as enhanced security protocols to protect medical personnel from such violence in the future. The protest highlighted the growing risks faced by healthcare workers, who often work under stressful conditions yet remain vulnerable to physical and verbal abuse from patients or their attendants.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a CCTV video capturing the moment when the man slapped the doctor quickly went viral on social media platforms, triggering public outrage. The footage intensified demands for justice and accountability, with many urging authorities to take strict action against anyone who threatens the safety and dignity of medical staff.
GMC Srinagar issued a statement reminding the public that the hospital is a vital public asset and emphasized the need for patience, cooperation, and mutual respect in healthcare settings. The institution appealed to patients and their attendants to exercise restraint and recognize the pressures medical workers face daily.
This incident has reignited conversations nationwide about the increasing violence against doctors and the urgent need for stronger legal protections. Medical professionals continue to call on authorities to ensure their safety so that they can perform their duties without fear and continue providing critical care to the community.
