8 doctors, paramedics suspended over alleged negligence in patient death at Paras Hospital

Srinagar: In a shocking incident, a 36-year-old man passed away at Paras Hospital a few days ago in Srinagar following cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure after he underwent surgery for carcinoma of the left colon, followed by a second procedure to treat coagulation complications resulting from the initial surgery. 

Angry and upset, the family members of the deceased accused the doctors and Paras Hospital of medical negligence. They held a large protest outside the hospital, alleging that the case was mishandled and that the hospital prioritised money over proper patient care, claiming they were charged Rs 2.5 lakh for the initial surgery.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the Chief Medical Officer of Srinagar suspended eight doctors and paramedics from the hospital and barred them from practising with Paras Hospital and any other hospitals in the region.  

According to the patient’s family, the patient had undergone surgery and later developed complications, allegedly due to mismanagement and delays in postoperative care. During the protest, they demanded strict action, including the intervention of the Chief Minister.

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An order issued by the CMO in this regard stated, "As recommended by the inquiry committee and pending investigation into the death of Mr Waseem Ahmed Pathan, the administration of Paras Hospital is directed to stop the practice of the following doctors and paramedics until the inquiry is complete."

Further order reads, "All the mentioned doctors and paramedical staff are directed to be available for the inquiry proceedings as and when called. Non-compliance shall be viewed seriously under rules and guidelines in vogue.” 

The suspended medical personnel include Dr Sheikh Zahoor Ahmad (Surgeon), Dr Shah Naveed (Assistant), Dr Zahid (Anaesthetist) and his team, Dr Syed Dawood (Anaesthetist), Dr Khawar (Anaesthetist), the OT Technician concerned, the In-charge of ICU and Nurse Insha.

As per the Greater Kashmir news report, the incident took place after the patient was admitted to the hospital on May 22 for a surgery related to what the family claimed was a “cyst" after the patient complained of pain in the intestine. 

Doctors at the hospital said that it was a simple procedure, as claimed by the family. They said he was not in a serious condition and had walked into the hospital himself. However, he underwent two surgeries, and despite being charged around Rs 2.5 lakh, he did not survive.

"We paid the money, and after the operation, he was discharged, but developed pain once again. We brought him again to the Paras Hospital Srinagar, and again we were asked to pay Rs 2.50 lakh for yet another operation," the cousin of the deceased patient told Kashmir Dispatch. 

“Where is the accountability? The health department must seal this hospital, which is only looting people and being the reason for the death of young patients,” a woman who identified herself as a family member of the deceased said. 

Further, the relatives claimed that despite repeated requests, the patient was not properly attended to in the ICU, and the hospital continued to demand additional payments during critical phases of treatment, reports Kashmir Life. 

“He walked into the hospital and never walked out. All they did was move him from one unit to another and keep asking for money. There was no urgency, no care only invoices,” said a family member.

Hospital response

Amid the allegations, the hospital issued a statement on Saturday evening clarifying the exact reason for the patient's death. The statement stated that the patient was discharged from the hospital after undergoing an operation for carcinoma of the left colon. The hospital said that the 36-year-old patient was admitted on 15th May 2025 and underwent surgery for carcinoma of the left colon.

Throughout his hospital stay, the patient received comprehensive post-operative care. By the sixth postoperative day, he was on a full oral fibre-free diet, was having regular bowel movements, and was fully ambulatory. In line with standard protocol, he was discharged in stable condition and received a follow-up call on post-operative day 7 to inquire about his well-being, the statement reads. 

"Tragically, on the night of 22nd May, the patient returned to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and in a state of shock. The patient, the hospital statement said, suffered a cardiac arrest in the emergency room, was successfully resuscitated. They said the patient was taken to OT and upon exploration, hemoperitoneum did not have “significant bleeder in the operative area and diffuse ooze from surrounding areas suggestive of coagulopathy”, the body’s ability to clot blood. “Corrective measures were taken, after which he was transferred to the ICU in critical condition. Despite the relentless efforts of our ICU and surgical teams, the patient suffered a second cardiac arrest and, sadly, passed away on 24th May due to multi-organ failure,” the statement said.

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