Viral Video of Srinagar Doctor in Maternity Hospital Sparks Investigation
By: Javid Amin | 31 July 2025
Disturbing Footage from the Labour Room
A shocking video recorded inside a government maternity hospital in Srinagar has triggered a wave of public anger, ethical concerns, and an urgent official probe. The viral clip shows a doctor filming himself casually inside the labour room and operation theatre—even as a medical procedure was in progress.
The incident occurred at a hospital affiliated with the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, a key institution overseeing maternal and child healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir.
What the Video Showed
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The doctor walked through sterile zones with a mobile camera, speaking into it casually.
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He recorded hospital staff mid-procedure, with patients in vulnerable positions.
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There was no patient consent, and no medical justification for filming inside an OT.
The footage quickly spread on WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, drawing outrage over the violation of medical protocols and patient dignity.
Privacy and Ethics Violated
Key concerns raised:
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Breach of Patient Confidentiality: Recording inside an OT without consent violates the basic right to medical privacy.
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Violation of Hospital Protocols: Filming in sterile, high-risk zones jeopardizes infection control norms.
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Ethical Misconduct: The casual attitude during a surgical procedure breaches the core ethics outlined by the National Medical Commission (NMC) (formerly MCI).
“It’s not just a lapse in judgment—it’s a breach of trust that could have real health and legal consequences,” said a senior doctor at GMC Srinagar.
Official Action and Inquiry
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The Principal of GMC Srinagar has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.
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A 24-hour deadline was given to submit a detailed fact-finding report.
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The administration has not ruled out disciplinary or legal action if found guilty.
According to officials, the doctor could face:
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Departmental proceedings under service rules.
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Prosecution under the Information Technology Act, 2000, for unauthorized recording and sharing of sensitive content.
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Violation of NMC regulations, leading to potential suspension or cancellation of license.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Involved
Relevant Laws and Guidelines:
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IT Act, 2000 – Section 66E: Punishes violation of privacy via electronic means (up to 3 years in jail and/or fine).
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Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002: Mandates strict adherence to patient confidentiality and ethical behavior.
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Hospital SOPs: Prohibit unauthorized filming in OTs and ICUs without written consent from hospital authorities and patients.
Larger Healthcare Accountability Crisis
This incident is not isolated—it comes amid rising concerns over:
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Unprofessional conduct in J&K’s top hospitals.
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Recent allegations at SMHS Hospital, including patient neglect and staff misbehavior.
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Calls for reform in the region’s health system, demanding greater transparency, oversight, and training.
Health activists argue that social media misuse by medical professionals is becoming alarmingly common—and guidelines need stronger enforcement and digital literacy training.
Public & Professional Backlash
The medical fraternity has largely condemned the act:
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Senior practitioners called it a “gross act of insensitivity.”
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Patient rights groups have demanded criminal proceedings and a public apology from the institution.
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Social media users questioned how such breaches go unnoticed until after viral damage is done.
What Needs to Change
This episode underscores deeper systemic gaps:
01. Reinforce Hospital Protocols
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Enforce strict “no phone” zones in critical hospital areas.
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Install CCTV monitoring to detect unauthorized behavior.
02. Train Doctors in Digital Ethics
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Introduce mandatory workshops on data privacy, patient dignity, and responsible digital conduct.
03. Strengthen Regulatory Oversight
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Empower the J&K Medical Council to act swiftly on violations.
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Require hospitals to publicly report disciplinary action against erring staff.
04. Empower Patients
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Display “Know Your Rights” boards in hospitals, especially maternity wards.
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Establish patient helplines for reporting misconduct anonymously.
Bottom-Line: Not Just Unethical—Unforgivable
In the sanctum of an operation theatre, where trust is absolute and vulnerability is total, such casual behavior isn’t just unethical—it’s unforgivable. The doctor’s actions have not only breached rules but undermined the dignity and rights of women during one of their most critical life moments.
A swift, transparent inquiry is a start—but the real goal must be to ensure this never happens again.
