MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a deeply disturbing incident at AMI Cardiac & General Hospital, Muzaffarabad, a group of over 15 patient attendants resorted to violence against hospital staff after being politely requested to comply with hospital policy limiting only one attendant per patient inside the ward.
The incident began when a staff nurse asked the attendants to step outside following patient care and infection control protocols.
Instead of cooperating, the attendants became aggressive, later returning to damage hospital property, break doors and glass panels, destroy medical equipment, and physically attack the hospital’s medical team.
Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Habeel, a highly respected figure in the medical community, was among the victims of the attendants’ mob. He holds the distinction of performing the first-ever angioplasty in AJK’s history and played a pivotal role in establishing the region’s first cardiac surgery hospital by bringing together a skilled team of physicians and surgeons.
AMI Hospital is more than simply a facility for advanced cardiac treatment; it is a vital resource for the community.
In the previous year, the hospital carried out life-saving heart procedures free of charge, providing more than PKR 4 million in support to patients who couldn’t afford treatment.
Spokesperson for AMI Hospital termed this incident an attack on the entire healthcare system of AJK.
He said that this is not just an attack on our staff, it is an attack on the entire healthcare system of AJK, while adding that “Is this how we honor our heroes who have dedicated their lives to saving others?”
A legal case has been initiated against the perpetrators by the hospital administration and demands strict action to ensure the safety and dignity of healthcare workers in Muzaffarabad.
AMI Hospital restated its zero-tolerance stance for violence, pledging to maintain its purpose of providing high-quality, compassionate treatment to all, despite such obstacles.
