Jan 13: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura is embroiled in fresh controversy following a viral video that has exposed shocking allegations of patient care negligence in its Nephrology Ward 4A. video had been recorded by the daughter of a critically ill patient and has stirred public outrage and put the institute under intense scrutiny.
The video reveals an alarming scene of empty doctors’ chambers and a complete absence of medical staff in the ward. According to the distressed attendant, who narrates the ordeal, she desperately searched for any doctor or nurse for over an hour but found no one to attend to her ailing father and approximately 40 other admitted patients.
Patients are being left at the mercy of God,” she laments in the video, which has since gone viral on social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from the public.
The incident has sparked renewed anger against SKIMS authorities, particularly as it coincides with their controversial ban on video recordings within the hospital premises. Many social media users have accused the institute of imposing the ban to prevent exposure of internal mismanagement and negligence.
This revelation of apparent negligence has once again placed SKIMS Soura in the crosshairs of public and political criticism. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for accountability and immediate reforms in patient care services at the institute. Critics have questioned the administration’s priorities, alleging a lack of empathy and responsibility in handling critical healthcare services.
Public discontent is further fueled by SKIMS’ continued silence on the incident, as attempts to reach the hospital authorities for clarification have gone unanswered. The administration’s failure to address the concerns raised in the viral video has intensified demands for an independent probe and concrete corrective measures to prevent future incidents of negligence.
Public Outcry and Call for Action
Amid the uproar, healthcare experts and civil society members have highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency within the institute. “SKIMS is a premier medical institution of Jammu and Kashmir. Such negligence is unacceptable and indicates deep-rooted administrative flaws,” a healthcare activist said.
The controversial video recording ban, implemented by SKIMS in December 2024, has come under renewed scrutiny. Critics argue that the ban was a preemptive move to silence patient attendants and hide operational shortcomings. “Instead of focusing on improving healthcare services, the administration seems more concerned about controlling the narrative,” a social media user commented.
The recent incident raises significant questions about the state of public healthcare in Kashmir and the accountability of healthcare institutions. As SKIMS faces growing public pressure, it remains to be seen whether the administration will take responsibility and introduce measures to restore public confidence in its services.
Key Questions Raised by the Incident:
- Why were medical staff absent from a critical ward for over an hour?
- What steps will SKIMS take to ensure such incidents do not recur?
- Is the video recording ban a tool to suppress exposure of internal failures?
Until SKIMS authorities provide a comprehensive response, the incident will remain a dark mark on the institute’s reputation, raising concerns about negligence, transparency, and accountability in one of Kashmir’s most renowned healthcare institutions.
