'Gave instructions over the phone and disappeared when most needed': Family accuses doctors of medical negligence at Srinagar hospital

May 25, 2025 by News Desk

Tensions flared at Paras Hospital in Srinagar after the death of 34-year-old Waseem Ahmed Pathan, a resident of Bilal Colony in Pampore, who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia to start a travel business.

His family has accused the hospital, particularly a senior doctor, of grave medical negligence and financial extortion, calling the private facility a “slaughter house.”

According to Waseem’s relatives, he had complained of abdominal pain and was admitted to Paras Hospital Sonwar eight days before his death. The attending doctor, identified as Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh, diagnosed a cyst and recommended immediate surgery, quoting a fee of Rs 2.5 lakh. The family arranged the funds and went ahead with the procedure.

“He was discharged after the first surgery but his condition worsened within days. When we brought him back, the hospital again demanded Rs 2.5 lakh for a second surgery,” said Sheikh Aamir, Waseem’s cousin. “We were not allowed to see him. They told us about a minor 0.3 mm blood clot only after he died. If that clot was so dangerous, why didn’t they catch it earlier? Why wasn’t it addressed during the first operation?”

In his final hours, Aamir said, the family learned that Dr. Zahoor wasn’t even physically present at the hospital. “He was giving instructions to interns and junior doctors over the phone. How can you treat a critical patient remotely? We trusted him with Waseem’s life. And when it mattered most, he disappeared,” he said.

Waseem’s brother, visibly broken, said, “They took five lakh rupees from us and returned a dead body. My brother had just come back from the Gulf. He was unmarried, full of dreams, and wanted to build a life here. Paras Hospital snatched that from him. This place is not a hospital — it’s a slaughter house.”

The family said no one from the hospital administration came forward to speak with them. “We didn’t vandalize anything or cause a scene. We just wanted answers. But they hid like cowards,” said another family member.

As the news of the death spread, dozens of relatives and local residents gathered outside Paras Hospital in protest, demanding immediate action against the doctors involved and calling for the hospital to be held accountable.

They also urged Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat to intervene and launch a formal investigation.

In a brief statement, Paras Hospital expressed “deep sorrow” over Waseem’s death and claimed he had been discharged in stable condition. The hospital added that he returned in a critical state and succumbed to cardiac arrest due to internal bleeding, despite their efforts. They also mentioned he had a history of psychiatric illness — a claim that the family has strongly condemned as an attempt to deflect responsibility.

“This is how they justify negligence? By questioning the victim’s mental health?” asked Aamir. “They should be ashamed.”

The Chief Medical Officer of Srinagar confirmed that a committee has been formed to investigate the case, and a preliminary report has been sought from the Zonal Medical Officer. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag has already canceled a Paras Hospital medical camp scheduled for May 26, citing the gravity of the situation.

Health Minister Sakina Itoo responded to the incident saying, “We cannot allow hospitals to operate without accountability. A thorough inquiry will determine whether this was negligence or a natural death. If there is any evidence of wrongdoing, strict action will follow.”

SHO Ram Munshi Bagh confirmed a commotion at the hospital but noted that no formal police complaint had been filed yet. “We are monitoring the situation and expect the family to file a complaint soon,” he said.

This incident is not isolated. In recent years, multiple hospitals in Kashmir have come under fire for alleged medical negligence.

In 2021, the death of a Pulwama woman following a cesarean section at a private nursing home sparked widespread outrage.

In another case in 2023, a Sopore man died hours after being misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication, leading to calls for cancellation of the doctor’s license. Despite such public outcry, few cases have resulted in meaningful action or reform.

This is not the first time Paras Hospital or its doctors have been accused of medical negligence in Kashmir. The latest incident has intensified growing public concern about private healthcare facilities operating with impunity — where profits seem to take precedence over patient lives.

The grieving family has vowed to pursue justice until a formal case of medical negligence is registered against the hospital and those responsible for Waseem’s death.