GMC Srinagar MBBS Student's video of Live Surgery Goes Viral, sparks backlash

Srinagar: In a shocking incident that has triggered outrage within the medical community and raised serious concerns over patient privacy, a final-year MBBS doctor from Lalla Ded Hospital affiliated with Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, is facing severe backlash for allegedly filming inside the operation theatre and labour room during a live surgical procedure.

The video reportedly shows the body of the patient undergoing the procedure being filmed without consent. The doctor later uploaded the video as a reel on social media, where it quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism and condemnation from the public as well.

In the video, the doctor in his final year of the MBBS course is seen walking casually through highly restricted areas of the hospital, which include the labour room and the operation theatre spaces. The video showed images from inside the operation theatre and a glimpse of the patient's body parts who was lying on the bed.

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In one segment, the doctor is heard saying, “We went to the labour room, there was nothing, so we are going to the OT,” before turning the camera to show a live surgical procedure being performed on a patient. After showing it, he said, "It’s our first patient’s delivery," in the video.

In another part of the video, he is seen pausing in a corridor to take selfies with fellow doctors, several of whom appear smiling and posing for the camera-seemingly unbothered by their surroundings. He is accompanied by at least two other male colleagues, as reported by the Daily Excelsior.

The video was posted online as part of his vlogging to celebrate his first delivery case in his career. Since he was excited to perform his first-ever delivery case, he recorded the inside, violating hospital rules and the patient’s privacy. While even close family members are not allowed inside the OT, the doctor, without any hesitation, recorded the video and uploaded it online.

The act has raised serious concerns over medical ethics and the fundamental right to patient privacy. Fellow doctors, after watching the video online, expressed strong disapproval and condemned the behaviour as irresponsible and unethical, demanding action against the concerned doctor.

Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council's Guidelines

Taking cognisance of the matter, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC) yesterday issued a stern advisory to registered medical practitioners, urging strict adherence to professional conduct guidelines while using social media platforms.

The JKMC directed doctors to strictly uphold patient confidentiality on social media platforms to ensure that such violations do not occur again in future. It directed the doctors to maintain dignity and avoid behaviour that discredits the profession on any media platform.

The council strictly prohibited sharing patient information, including images, scans, treatment details, or outcomes, without explicit and informed consent. It emphasised that consent is invalid if the patient is in a compromised physical, mental, or emotional state.

“Sharing factual, verifiable, and non-misleading educational content is allowed, within one’s expertise. Public discussions of treatment or prescribing medications online are prohibited—patients must be directed to proper telemedicine or in-person consultations,” the guideline reads.

As per the guidelines, the registered medical practitioners (RMPs) have been asked not to advertise services, claim superiority, or engage in self-promotional activities like posting self-photographs or publicity on signboards beyond basic details.

Permissible announcements are limited to starting practice, a change of address, or a temporary absence. Healthcare institutions may advertise only within the prescribed limits set by the National Medical Commission, restricted to basic details like services, staff, facilities, and fees.

The council also prohibited doctors from buying likes, followers, or paying for boosted search rankings, calling such practices unethical. Additionally, the guidelines barred doctors from soliciting or sharing patient testimonials, endorsements, or reviews online under any circumstances.

Moreover, the guidelines also prohibited showcasing of treatment results, surgeries, procedures or healed patient images or videos. “Further, no endorsement of products, medicines, or commercial medical services is allowed. No direct or indirect patient solicitation via social media is permitted,” the guideline read.

UNI reported that the JKMC also outlined best practices for registered medical professionals to maintain ethical conduct on social media. It advised doctors to uphold professionalism, ensuring their online presence reflects medical ethics, truthfulness, and respect towards patients, colleagues, and the community.

Further, the council urged caution in sharing content, warning against posts that could harm professional credibility. It also stressed maintaining appropriate doctor-patient boundaries in digital interactions. While social media can be used for public health awareness, the council emphasised that content must be evidence-based, unbiased, and free from personal promotion.

The directive aligns with the Indian Medical Council’s (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, and aims to ensure ethical digital engagement by healthcare professionals.

Hospital response

In response to the shocking incident, the medical college administration has ordered the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit a report recommending action against the concerned doctor.

In a post on 'X', the GMC Srinagar said, "Enquiry Committee constituted to investigate video circulated on social media regarding Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar. Committee with medical and IT experts to submit a report within 24 hours. Appropriate Disciplinary action to follow."

An official commenting on this said, “These students are from the final year and are posted here. It is a case of grave misconduct, and the strictest possible action will be taken against those involved. Once the inquiry is completed, these students will be suspended immediately."

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