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Jammu: Emergency and outpatient services at the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu resumed on Friday, July 18, after a two-day strike by junior doctors was called off following the arrest of a woman who assaulted a female doctor. The strike, which had brought crucial healthcare departments to a standstill, ended around 2 pm when the police confirmed the arrest of Aditi Bhagat—the primary accused seen assaulting a doctor in CCTV footage.
Incident Details
The assault took place on July 16 after the death of a critically ill 65-year-old patient who had been referred from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh with a brain haemorrhage. According to reports, following the patient’s demise due to respiratory arrest, relatives entered the emergency ward, leading to a confrontation. CCTV footage captured Bhagat verbally abusing and physically attacking two female postgraduate doctors, including an incident in which a doctor was kicked in the abdomen. The victim, a first-year postgraduate student, suffered internal bleeding and required hospitalisation. Her condition has since stabilised.
Doctor Community’s Response
The episode incited widespread anger within the medical community, prompting an immediate strike by junior doctors. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), represented by its president Dr Sandeep Singh, made Bhagat’s arrest and stronger hospital security their primary demands. “We called off the strike around 2 pm today after being informed that the culprit has been arrested. This is a significant step towards justice,” Dr Singh stated. The association is now seeking meetings with senior police officials, including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), to push for:
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More security staff in all hospital areas—not just emergency wards
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Enhanced enforcement of laws that protect medical personnel
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A dedicated police presence in vulnerable hospital zones
Continuing Demands for Safety
Despite the strike’s end, medical professionals in the region remain vigilant, advocating for permanent reforms to hospital security. Associations have renewed calls for comprehensive safety measures and stricter enforcement of existing protocols to protect healthcare workers from future incident.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available as of July 19, 2025, and reflects details sourced from news coverage at the time. Developments may unfold beyond this account.
