Jammu, Jul 17: Patient care at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu remained severely affected for the second consecutive day on Thursday as resident doctors continued their strike, protesting the alleged assault on a female colleague.
The strike, led by the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of GMC Jammu, has resulted in the complete shutdown of emergency and outpatient (OPD) services, putting immense pressure on the hospital’s healthcare system. Though faculty members have been deployed to manage emergencies, the absence of resident doctors has caused notable delays and disruptions.
The protest began after a 60-year-old patient, Rajinder Kumar, passed away on July 16 due to respiratory arrest caused by a severe brain haemorrhage. The patient’s attendants, reportedly angered over alleged medical negligence, engaged in a confrontation during which a female resident doctor was allegedly physically assaulted.
The RDA responded with an immediate flash strike, demanding the arrest of those involved and urgent improvements in hospital security protocols to safeguard medical staff. With no arrests made so far, the doctors escalated their protest, announcing a complete halt to emergency and OPD services on July 17.
The incident has sparked outrage among the medical fraternity nationwide, with doctors across India expressing solidarity on social media.
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, condemned the violence in a press briefing. He clarified that the deceased patient had been referred from PGI Chandigarh with a poor prognosis and was brought to GMC despite medical advice suggesting basic care at a local facility.
“The family physically assaulted the doctor on duty, as confirmed by CCTV footage. This behaviour is unacceptable. The patient was given the best care possible under the circumstances,” he said.
Dr. Gupta assured that emergency services would remain functional through support from senior faculty and consultants. He has directed all clinical and para-clinical department heads to ensure adequate staffing in emergency sections until the situation stabilizes.
The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students’ Association also condemned the incident on X, stating, “Doctors are human too. Any grievance should be addressed through legal channels—not violence. We urge authorities to act strictly and ensure the safety of healthcare workers across J&K.”
The patient’s family has accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that it contributed to the death of Rajinder Kumar. Their claims led to the confrontation, which later turned violent.
With no arrests made yet, the RDA has reiterated its demands for immediate action against those responsible, increased hospital security, and stronger legal safeguards for medical professionals. The doctors have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, warning of a further escalation if authorities fail to respond. (KNO)
