DHSK orders probe after video of dog occupying chair at SDH Chadoora goes viral

Srinagar, Mar 14: A video showing a dog occupying a chair at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district has gone viral, evoking widespread condemnation and prompting the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) to order an inquiry.

The incident has drawn public ire after the video was widely circulated on social media.

Local National Conference (NC) MLA Ali Mohammad Dar said he has taken up the matter with the higher authorities.

“This is a very serious issue. The dog was seen occupying a chair at the SDH and this raises questions over the efficiency of staff at the hospital. I have taken up the matter with Deputy Commissioner Budgam as well as the higher officials of the Health Department,” Dar told Greater Kashmir.

In a separate statement on social media, the National Conference assured action on the matter. “A video is circulating on social media regarding a concerning issue that has drawn public attention. We acknowledge the seriousness of the matter and assure everyone that necessary steps are being taken. MLA Ali Mohammad Dar has taken immediate notice of the issue and has raised it with higher authorities,” the statement said.

Reacting over the incident, a social media user said in a post, “New doctor joined SDH Chadoora today.”

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Chadoora, Hashmat Sultan, refused to divulge any details and said that they would put out an official public response on the issue.

NC MLA however said that he also talked to the concerned BMO who admitted that the video was from inside the hospital. He however said that he was informed that the video was shot during the night hours and the dog was deliberately “made to sit on the chair by someone.” “But we will not tolerate any excuses that compromise the delivery of healthcare services,” said the NC MLA.

SDH Chadoora has earlier remained in the news for the wrong reasons, particularly for lack of staff and inadequate sanitation.

Meanwhile, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has ordered an inquiry into the incident in which a dog was seen occupying a chair while few others were roaming beneath the hospital tables.

“Apropos a video circulating on social media on 14.03.2025, an inquiry has been ordered by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir into the alleged negligence at SDH Chadoora, in Budgam district. The inquiry team will conduct in-depth analysis of electronic records, CCTV footage, duty rosters and conduct interviews of patients and staff members to ascertain the facts, fix responsibility on any errors of omission or commission and recommend appropriate necessary action to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” the officials in a statement said.

They said, “The inquiry committee will also examine the possibility that the video was deliberately set-up or edited to defame a busy Government Hospital by some vested interests who have made earlier attempts to defame Government Hospitals and mislead patients and the public as in the case of SDH Bijbehara and CHC Pattan where orchestrated/fake videos were uploaded on social media. In such a case the committee will recommend action under the relevant sections of the law against the perpetrators of such nefarious attempts, if any”.

The officials added that Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) remains steadfast and completely committed to the highest standards of professionalism and will not tolerate any laxity at any level.