Jammu, Jul 17: The ongoing strike by the resident doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu entered its second day on Thursday to protest against an assault of a female resident doctor.
The strike, initiated by the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of GMC Jammu, has led to the shutdown of all emergency and outpatient department (OPD) services, significantly impacting the patient care.
While faculty members have been deployed to maintain emergency services, the absence of resident doctors has led to delays and disruptions.
The protest stems from demands for justice and enhanced security measures for healthcare professionals after the assault, which occurred following the death of a patient on July 16.
The strike was triggered by an altercation at GMC Jammu on July 16, after the death of 60-year-old patient Rajinder Kumar, who succumbed to respiratory arrest due to a severe brain haemorrhage.
The patient’s family accused the hospital staff of negligence, leading to a violent confrontation where a female resident doctor was allegedly kicked and assaulted by a relative of the deceased.
In response, junior doctors launched a flash strike, demanding immediate arrest of perpetrators and improved security protocols to protect medical professionals.
As of July 17, the RDA announced the complete closure of emergency and OPD services, citing the lack of action in connection with the assault.
The move has garnered support from doctors across India, with posts on X reflecting nationwide solidarity with the GMC Jammu doctors’ call for justice.
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, addressed the media, condemning the violence and outlining measures to manage the crisis.
“In a gruesome incident on July 16, attendants of a terminally ill patient resorted to physical and verbal violence against our doctors on emergency duty. The patient had been referred back from PGI Chandigarh with a poor prognosis, clearly mentioned in the discharge summary. Despite being advised to seek basic care at a local hospital, the family brought the patient to GMC, where he received the best possible treatment. CCTV footage shows the family members kicking and beating the lady doctor. Such attacks are unacceptable.”
Dr. Gupta emphasized that emergency services would continue to be supported by faculty members and consultants to mitigate disruptions. He directed all Clinical and Para clinical Heads to ensure adequate staffing in the emergency department until normalcy is restored.
The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students’ Association also issued a statement on X: “We strongly condemn this incident at GMC Jammu where a doctor was assaulted. Doctors are humans too, any grievance must be addressed through proper channels, not violence. We urge the Government to ensure strict action and provide immediate protection to healthcare workers across J&K.”
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased patient, Rajinder Kumar accused the hospital staff of negligence, which they claim led to the patient’s death.
The family’s allegations of negligence sparked the altercation, escalating into physical violence against the female doctor. No arrests have been reported as of the latest updates, fuelling the doctors’ decision to intensify the strike.
Moreover, the RDA at GMC Jammu has demanded the immediate arrest of the individuals involved in the assault, enhanced security measures in hospitals, and stronger legal protections for medical professionals.
The doctors have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, with the possibility of further escalation if no action is taken—(KNO).
CM for strict action in doctor’s assault case
Jammu Tawi, Jul 17: Asserting that doctors must never bear the brunt of violence, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that strict action has been directed in the recent case of assault of a female doctor at a government hospital in Jammu.
Irate over the death of a patient at the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, his attendants allegedly assaulted a female doctor on Wednesday, triggering protests and a strike by junior doctors. The Doctors Association Jammu (DAJ) on Thursday sought security cover at medical facilities for doctors, alleging a rise in such assaults and manhandling. “Strict action has been directed in the recent case. I have asked for a case to be filed and justice to be delivered. Our doctors must work free from fear and intimidation,” Abdullah said while addressing a function at AIIMS in the Samba district.
The chief minister said that doctors must never bear the brunt of violence. “They dedicate themselves selflessly, often beyond duty hours. Their intentions and efforts are unwavering and they must never be blamed for outcomes beyond their control,” he said.
Abdullah said that doctors cannot save everyone. “Life and death are not in the hands of doctors but in the hands of the Almighty. It is not acceptable to assault a doctor for having no fault. It cannot be tolerated. You have to file a case against the person who assaulted the doctor,” he said.
He asked how a doctor can perform their duty if they are afraid of the outcome of treatment. “So long as I am here, we will do everything possible to ensure that medical practitioners are in a safe environment while performing their duties,” he said.
He further said that one of the female doctors sustained an injury and has been admitted for treatment. He revealed the CCTV footage of the incident at a press conference, clearly showing the doctors being physically attacked.
“I was on emergency duty yesterday. I got a call that a patient was unstable and not able to breathe. I immediately rushed and removed the tube, but still the patient was not able to breathe. During these medical procedures, the patient’s attendants were getting aggressive. I tried to make them understand the procedures, but they became aggressive. We do not deserve this treatment because we give our hundred percent,” said the doctor who was assaulted.
The Doctors Association Jammu on Thursday reiterated its demand for security cover at medical facilities for doctors and said that the healthcare system will collapse if such incidents continue.
