Srinagar, May 24, KNT: Tensions ran high at Paras Hospital Srinagar on Saturday as family members of a 34-year-old man from South Kashmir’s Pampore held a massive protest within the hospital premises, accusing the hospital, particularly a senior doctor, of gross negligence leading to the death of their loved one. The deceased, Waseem Ahmed Pathan, a resident of Bilal Colony Pampore, had recently returned from Saudi Arabia and was running a newly launched tour and travel business.
Waseem, according to his family, had been admitted to Paras Hospital Sonwar eight days ago after complaining of intestinal pain. He was attended to by Dr Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh, who diagnosed a cyst and recommended surgery, quoting a cost of Rs 2.5 lakh. The family agreed, paid the amount, and the surgery was carried out.
Sheikh Aamir, cousin of the deceased, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that while Waseem was discharged after the initial surgery, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he had to be rushed back to the hospital. “Once again, we were charged another Rs 2.5 lakh for a second operation. We were kept in the dark and denied access to the ward. Later, we were told he had developed a 0.3 mm blood clot. If that was the cause of death, why wasn’t it detected and treated earlier? Why wasn’t the family informed during the first surgery?” he questioned.
In a harrowing account, Aamir alleged that during the patient’s final hours, Dr Zahoor was not present at the hospital and was instead giving instructions to junior staff over the phone. “We trusted the doctor with our brother’s life. But when it mattered the most, he wasn’t even there,” he said.
Waseem’s brother, visibly distraught, described the hospital as a “slaughter house” and a “money minting building.” He said his brother was unmarried, young, and full of dreams, having recently returned from the Gulf to start a new life in Kashmir. “Paras Hospital took Rs 5 lakh from us and returned a dead body,” he said bitterly.
As news of the incident spread, dozens of relatives and locals gathered outside the hospital and staged protests demanding action. The family raised slogans and urged the Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat to launch an inquiry into the functioning of the hospital and hold the concerned doctor accountable.
The family also lamented the complete apathy shown by the hospital management. “No one from the administration came to us. We didn’t damage hospital property or shout slogans inside. Instead of consoling us, they hid themselves,” a family member said.
This incident is the latest in a string of controversies surrounding Paras Hospital Srinagar, which has increasingly been under public scrutiny for reported negligence and mismanagement. Multiple voices on social media have questioned the hospital’s commitment to ethical medical care, alleging that financial motives often take precedence over patient well-being.
The tragic death of Waseem Ahmed Pathan has reignited concerns about the accountability of private healthcare facilities in the region, with growing calls for the government to enforce stricter oversight and patient protection mechanisms.
The grieving family has vowed to continue their protest until justice is delivered and a case of negligence is formally registered against the concerned doctor and hospital authorities.
Meanwhile, Paras Hospital issued a statement in this regard that read: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Mr. Wasim Ahmed Pathan, a 36-year-old patient who was under our care at Paras Health, Srinagar. Mr. Ahmed was admitted on 15th May 2025 and underwent surgery for carcinoma of the left colon.”
“Throughout his hospital stay, Mr. Ahmed received comprehensive post-operative care, which included not only physical recovery measures but also attention to his mental health needs.”
“By the sixth post-operative day, he was on a full oral fiber-rich diet, was having regular bowel movements, and was fully ambulatory. In line with our department’s protocol, he was discharged in stable condition and received a follow-up call on post-operative day 7 to inquire about his well-being and address any concerns.”
“Tragically, on the night of 22nd May, Mr. Ahmed returned to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and in a state of shock. He suffered a cardiac arrest in the emergency room but was successfully resuscitated by our team. Emergency surgery revealed significant internal bleeding, after which he was transferred to the ICU in critical condition. Despite the relentless efforts of our ICU and surgical teams, Mr. Ahmed suffered a second cardiac arrest and, sadly, passed away on 24th May due to hemorrhagic shock and multi-organ failure.”
“During this period, it was revealed that he had a history of psychiatric illness and had previously been prescribed fluoxetine, which was discontinued. Recognizing the importance of holistic care, a psychiatric consultation was also provided to support his overall recovery and well-being.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Ahmed’s family and loved ones during this difficult time and we remain in close communication with the family to provide them with all necessary information and support.”[KNT]
