24/07/2025
Busines Kashmir Editorial
*SMHS Assault: When hope turns to rage*
The incident at SMHS Hospital, where an attendant assaulted a doctor after their patient reportedly died due to neglect, highlights a deeply troubling and complex issue within our healthcare system. While any act of violence is unequivocally unacceptable, this event serves as a stark reminder of the underlying frustrations and systemic failures that often lead to such desperate outbursts.
The core of the problem lies in the perceived lack of empathy and adequate care provided by medical professionals, particularly during critical situations. For doctors, dealing with illness and death may become a routine, a part of their daily professional lives. However, for a patient and their family, a critical illness is a life-altering, highly emotional, and often terrifying experience. The disconnect between these two realities is profound. When a patient, who has come to the hospital as a last resort, feels unheard, neglected, or that their loved one is not receiving the attention they desperately need, the sense of helplessness can quickly turn into anger and despair.
The situation in emergency wards across major city hospitals like SKIMS, SMHS, Bone & Joint, and Lal Ded is indeed dire. Overcrowding, coupled with a severe shortage of senior doctors and specialists, places an immense burden on the few junior doctors who are often left to manage a deluge of critical cases. This not only compromises the quality of care but also contributes to the stress and burnout among the medical staff, potentially leading to the very behaviour that patients and attendants find so distressing. Work pressure, long hours, and inadequate resources are often cited as reasons for a lack of bedside manner, but these reasons, while understandable to an extent, do not alleviate the suffering of those seeking help.
It is abundantly clear that a fundamental shift is desperately needed in how our hospitals, particularly emergency and critical care units, operate. The government must initiate a comprehensive re-evaluation and overhaul of the entire system. This overhaul is not merely a suggestion; it is an urgent imperative.
A significant increase in staffing is non-negotiable. We need more doctors, nurses, and support staff, especially in emergency departments, to ease the crushing workload and ensure that medical professionals can dedicate the necessary time and attention to each patient.
The constant presence of senior doctors and specialists in emergency and critical care units is paramount. Their invaluable experience and expertise are crucial for accurate diagnoses, timely interventions, and effective management of complex cases that junior doctors alone cannot always handle.
Furthermore, beyond medical proficiency, there is an urgent need for improved training in patient communication and empathy for all hospital staff. This includes equipping them with skills to convey information clearly, manage expectations compassionately, and demonstrate genuine concern, even amidst the most chaotic situations.
Addressing the pervasive overcrowding demands an upgrade in infrastructure and equitable resource allocation. This means more beds, modern equipment, and better-organised waiting areas. Resources must be strategically distributed to ensure that all necessary tools and medications are readily available when lives hang in the balance.
Establishing clear and accessible grievance redressal mechanisms is crucial. Patients and their attendants need effective channels to voice their concerns without fear. A robust system for addressing complaints proactively can prevent frustrations from escalating into unfortunate incidents like the one witnessed at SMHS.
Finally, while supporting our medical community, there must also be a culture of accountability. Instances of negligence and unprofessional conduct must be addressed appropriately to rebuild and maintain the vital trust between the medical fraternity and the public it serves.
The recent incident at SMHS Hospital is a symptom of a much larger systemic illness. It is a distress signal that demands immediate and comprehensive action. Patients come to hospitals with hope, seeking solace and healing. It is the government's responsibility to ensure that this hope is met with professional care, empathy, and a system that prioritizes human life above all else. Failing to do so will only perpetuate a cycle of frustration, anger, and further erosion of public trust in our healthcare institutions.
