Assault on female doctor triggers strike at GMC Jammu

Srinagar, July 17: Following the assault on a female doctor, junior doctors at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H), Jammu, continued their strike for the second consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack. They said the strike would continue until the culprits are brought to justice.On Wednesday, a junior doctor was physically assaulted by an attendant of Narinder Sharma, a resident of Rehari, who had died during treatment at the hospital.A short video of the CCTV footage showing a female attendant kicking the abdomen of the woman doctor has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation.Although police have registered an FIR at PS Bakshi Nagar with no 87/2025 in the incident. However, as per doctors who are on strike no formal arrests have been made so far.The junior doctors continued their strike for the second consecutive day on Thursday to protest the physical attackWhile condemning the incident, President Resident Doctors Association GMC Jammu, Dr. Sandeep Singh said they demand the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack and have vowed not to return to work until action is taken.“This is an act of gross violence and absolute disregard for the dignity and safety of medical professionals,” he said.Sandeep said despite a high-level meeting with the top officers and officials, their demand for the arrest of the accused remains unfulfilled even after 24 hours. “No concrete action has been taken to ensure justice or to deter such incidents in the future,” he said.The RDA has announced a complete shutdown of all emergency services and the Outpatient Department (OPD).“This is not a protest, it is a necessary stand to protect our fraternity, demand accountability, and ensure a safe working environment for all doctors. We remain united, resolute, and unwavering in our stance on this issue. RDA stands firm. No justice, no services,” Sandeep said.Principal GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta said the medical college condemns the violence against doctors by the attendants of the patient in emergency.Following the strike of junior doctors, he said senior doctors have been directed to manage the emergency and OPD and they ensure that all patients are attended to.“It is a gruesome incident that happened on 16-07-2025, the attendants of the patients started physical and verbal violence against doctors on duty in the emergency. The incident took place after the death of a patient who was terminally sick,” he said.Pertinently, the patient had been referred back from PGI to the Government. Medical College, Jammu with complications of Brain Haemorrhage. “As per PGI treatment discharge slip, it was clearly mentioned that the patient was suffering from massive brain haemorrhage and poor prognosis was explained to the attendants of the patient. The attendants were advised to get “basic medical and nursing care” at a local hospital.”Dr Ashutosh said in GMC, Jammu, the patient was offered best possible treatment however he expired on 5th day of the admission due to respiratory arrest.“Unfortunately, the patient’s attendants attacked physically and verbally a lady doctor and other staff of GMC, Jammu. The CCTV Cameras clearly show that attendants of the patient kicking and beating the lady doctor,” he said.The GMC Administration, Faculty and Resident Doctors strongly condemn such repeated incidents in premier institutions. The incident has caused serious concerns about safety of healthcare workers and the need for enforcement of protective protocols in govt. hospitals.Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jammu Chapter has also condemned the incident highlighting the increasing frequency of violence against healthcare professionals.It said that such acts are unacceptable and detrimental to the delivery of critical medical services. “Healthcare workers dedicate themselves to saving lives under immense pressure. An assault on a doctor, regardless of the circumstances,” the IMA said.The association has called upon the authorities to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for the assault and to implement stricter measures to ensure the safety and security of medical personnel in all healthcare facilities.Similarly, the Joint Action Committee of doctors and paramedical staff of GMC Doda have also expressed their solidarity with the colleagues including the female doctor who was attacked at GMC Jammu.“This shameful incident is not just an attack on one doctor, but an assault on every healthcare worker striving selflessly to serve the public. We demand action against perpetrators and accountability from those who create an atmosphere that emboldens them,” they said.Meanwhile, doctors in Jammu and Kashmir who are associated with different medical associations and groups have also expressed their concern over the incident, stating that violence against doctors is not negotiable.