GMC-Jammu doctors shun work to protest assault; patients hassled

The death of a patient at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, followed by an assault on a female doctor by the patient’s relatives, has triggered a strike by doctors and widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir. The incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage in the medical community. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has,meanwhile, ordered strict action in the case.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the attendants of the deceased patient, Rajinder Kumar, alleged medical negligence on the part of doctors. During a heated exchange, the daughter of the patient physically assaulted a female doctor by kicking her, an act recorded on CCTV and widely circulated on social media in J&K.

Following the incident, junior doctors at GMC Jammu announced a strike, leading to the suspension of Out Patient Department (OPD) services. Patients continued to suffer on Thursday as services remained severely disrupted. The striking doctors have demanded the immediate arrest of the woman who assaulted the doctor. Condemning the incident, Principal of GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, said the administration stands firmly against any violence targeting healthcare staff.

“The attendants of patient Rajinder Kumar engaged in physical and verbal violence against doctors on duty in the emergency wing after the patient’s death,” Dr Gupta said. He explained that the patient had been referred back from PGI Chandigarh to GMC Jammu after suffering complications from a brain hemorrhage. “As per the PGI discharge slip, the patient had massive brain hemorrhage, and the attendants were clearly informed about the poor prognosis. They were advised to provide basic medical and nursing care at a local hospital,” he added.

The patient died on the fifth day of admission due to respiratory arrest. However, a relative of Rajinder Kumar alleged to the media that the patient died because doctors failed to replace the oxygen pipe inserted in his throat. After the junior doctors launched the strike, GMC Jammu administration deployed senior faculty members in the emergency wing to maintain essential services.

Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jammu, strongly condemned the assault on the female doctor. “The IMA Jammu expresses deep resentment and outrage over the attack, highlighting the alarming rise in violence against healthcare professionals, particularly in emergency settings. Such acts are unacceptable and severely impact the delivery of critical medical services,” the IMA stated.

In solidarity, GMC Doda also condemned the incident, stating, “This is not just an attack on one doctor, but an assault on every healthcare worker striving selflessly to serve the public.”

GMC Doda further criticised those who instigate hostility against doctors, stating, “We strongly condemn the enablers — those who dog-whistle violence, and incite mistrust and aggression towards doctors through irresponsible rhetoric and inflammatory behavior. Such actions create a dangerous environment where healers are made targets.”

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister asserted, “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 added that strict action had been directed in the case. “I have asked for a case to be filed and justice to be delivered. Our doctors must work free from fear and intimidation,” he emphasised.