The incident of physical assault at GMC Jammu by a patient’s attendant is deeply troubling and utterly condemnable. Violence against medical professionals can never be justified under any circumstances. The outburst of rage following the demise of a critically ill patient only highlights a dangerous and growing trend of aggression towards doctors, which threatens the very foundation of healthcare delivery. However, beneath the surface of this latest flashpoint lies a more systemic and deeply entrenched problem plaguing GMC Jammu-chronic understaffing, overburdened postgraduate doctors and the conspicuous absence of senior consultants during crucial night hours. The tragic irony is that the same PG students are forced to shoulder the responsibilities of emergency admissions, critical care and daily rounds, often working long, inhuman hours without rest. In this environment, expecting optimal care without adequate senior supervision is unrealistic and unfair to the patients and doctors. The absence of senior doctors, particularly during night shifts, is not a new revelation but a long-standing malpractice that continues unchecked. In the current case, had senior consultants been on-site or actively involved, perhaps the communication, reassurance, or escalation of care might have diffused tensions before they boiled over.
Equally appalling is the absence of a proactive security system. While emergency wards are supposed to have round-the-clock security personnel, the fact that no guards intervened during the assault speaks volumes about the institutional apathy. This failure alone emboldens aggressors and jeopardises medical staff safety. The strike brings the entire system to a grinding halt, leaving patients in limbo. This cycle of doctor-attendant conflict, followed by flash strikes, is now predictable at GMC Jammu. The time has come for authorities to initiate a comprehensive audit of the institution. If the doctor-patient ratio is inadequate, more medical officers must be recruited. Night duties must mandatorily include senior consultants with real-time presence, not just token names on a roster. Security must be visible, accountable, and trained to intervene. Healthcare cannot function in an environment of fear and blame. Doctors are not punching bags and patients also deserve responsible care.
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