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Jammu, July 18, 2025 — A female junior doctor at the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu was physically assaulted and kicked in the abdomen by an attendant on duty, following the death of a terminally ill patient in the emergency department. The incident, caught on CCTV, has sparked outrage across the medical community and prompted a widespread strike by junior doctors.
Incident Details
According to hospital sources, the distressing event occurred on Wednesday, July 16. Shortly after the death of a 65-year-old patient—who had been critically ill with a severe brain hemorrhage and had been referred from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh—a group of agitated relatives forcefully entered the emergency ward. In the ensuing chaos, a female attendant was seen on surveillance footage verbally abusing and physically assaulting two female junior doctors, including a first-year PG doctor and a third-year MD Medicine student.
One of the assaulted doctors was kicked in the abdomen and is currently hospitalized with internal bleeding.
Medical Community Responds
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Flash Strike Initiated: In immediate response to the attack, resident doctors launched a flash strike, completely halting emergency and outpatient (OPD) services.
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Demands for Justice: Dr Sandeep Singh, President of the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), GMC Jammu, said, “Our one and only demand is to arrest the culprit who kicked the PG doctor in the abdomen. The doctor suffered internal bleeding and is also admitted to the GMC right now. We have called for a strike until our demands are met. Incidents like this keep happening, and it is high time security measures are improved to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
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Solidarity Statements: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) issued a strong condemnation, calling the assault “deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable.” The group pressed for swift justice and called for new security protocols to protect healthcare professionals in the region.
Hospital Administration Reaction
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, described the patient’s grave condition and stated, “After being admitted to the hospital for 4-5 days, the patient was taken into emergency care after his condition deteriorated.” He confirmed that an official First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the attackers and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security for doctors on campus.
Hospital administrators stressed that security in medical colleges is largely outsourced and insufficient, calling for permanent police presence in emergency wards and medical college campuses to deter future incidents.
Broader Context: A Persistent Issue
Violence against doctors and healthcare professionals remains a chronic problem in Indian hospitals. The incident at GMC Jammu has reignited calls for tougher enforcement of laws and stronger institutional safeguards to protect doctors while on duty. The medical community nationwide continues to express solidarity with the doctors in Jammu and demands action to ensure their safety and dignity.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive and statements from hospital authorities and medical associations. Details may evolve as the situation develops. Readers are advised to consult the latest updates from official sources for the most current information.
