Dr Mansi Sharma
The headlines scream of strikes and demands, but behind every protest, every raised voice, lies a chilling truth: our doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are afraid. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the very human cost of a failing system, highlighted by the recent, horrifying assault on two young female doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu. I can only imagine the terror they must have felt, the betrayal as the hands meant to heal were met with violence. This wasn’t an isolated outburst; it was a symptom of a deeper, festering wound that demands our immediate attention.
My heart goes out to every medical professional who has ever faced such aggression. We saw it happen on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, when a first-year postgraduate from the ENT department and a third-year female postgraduate medico at GMC Jammu were allegedly assaulted by attendants after a patient’s tragic passing. Their colleagues, the brave souls of the Doctors Association Jammu (DAJ) and the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), have rightly risen in protest, their voices echoing a desperate plea: “If adequate security is not provided, the system is bound to collapse.” This isn’t just a threat; it’s a stark reality we must confront.
Understanding the Roots of Violence
Why are our healers being attacked? It’s a complex web, but we can untangle it. Often, it begins with misplaced expectations and a lack of understanding. When a patient is critically ill, sometimes even beyond saving, families can cling to hope, and when that hope is shattered, grief can unfortunately morph into anger. As Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, tried to explain regarding the recent incident, the patient had come with a poor prognosis from PGI Chandigarh. Yet, the doctors, who had done their best, faced accusations and violence. We, as a society, need to understand the limits of medicine and the immense pressures our doctors face.
Then there’s the crippling burden on our healthcare system. Imagine working 18-hour shifts, attending to hundreds of patients, often with insufficient staff and resources. Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant doctor shortage, with approximately 1:1880, far from ideal. This translates to doctors having less time for detailed counseling with anxious families. Communication gaps naturally arise, turning moments of profound grief into flashpoints of aggression. It’s not malice; it’s often a breakdown in how we manage expectations and provide emotional support during desperate times.
And finally, there’s the painful reality that our existing laws often lack the teeth to deter. While the Jammu and Kashmir Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act is on the books, its implementation often feels like a mere formality. Arrests are made, yes, but how many lead to convictions? Without swift and visible justice, the message sent to potential assailants is dangerously weak.
The impact of this constant threat is devastating. It’s not just about a bruised body; it’s about the erosion of trust, the gnawing fear that makes doctors hesitate before taking on challenging cases, or even consider leaving the profession altogether. How can we attract the brightest minds to serve our community if they fear for their lives while doing their duty? It impacts the very quality of care we receive, for who can perform their best under such duress?
A Path Forward: Protecting Our Protectors
So, what can we do, as a community, to protect our protectors? The solutions are within our grasp, if only we act with collective resolve:
Fortify Our Hospitals:
We need an undeniable, visible presence of security. More dedicated police or CRPF personnel are essential, not just as a deterrent but as an immediate response force. Every corner, every corridor, especially in emergency rooms, OPDs, and ICUs, must be under constant CCTV surveillance. Entry and exit points need to be strictly controlled. It’s not about turning hospitals into fortresses, but into sanctuaries where healing can happen without fear.
Make Justice Swift and Visible:
It’s time for real consequences. The J&K administration must ensure that every FIR against an assailant is followed by swift investigation, arrest, and, critically, conviction. Fast-track courts for such cases could send a powerful message that violence against doctors will be met with the full force of the law. This is about restoring faith in justice.
Bridge the Communication Gap:
Let’s empower our doctors with better communication skills, training them in de-escalation techniques and empathetic dialogue. Hospitals should also consider dedicated patient counselors who can bridge the gap between medical jargon and family anxiety, offering comfort and clarity during difficult times.
Educate Our Community:
We, the public, have a role to play. Let’s launch robust public awareness campaigns that highlight the immense pressures doctors face, educate people about the existing laws against violence, and foster a culture of respect for our healthcare heroes. This isn’t just about doctors; it’s about strengthening our own healthcare system.
Government Must Prioritize:
The J&K administration needs to make doctor safety a top priority. This means allocating specific funds for hospital security upgrades, addressing the doctor-patient ratio, and creating an environment where medical professionals feel valued and protected.
Our doctors are our saviours, sacrificing their personal lives for our well-being. They work tirelessly, often under thankless conditions, to bring comfort and healing. It is our collective responsibility – of the government, the law enforcement, hospital administrations, and every single citizen – to ensure they can do their sacred work without the constant dread of violence. Let the fear in their eyes be replaced by the reassurance that we, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stand firmly behind them.
(The author is currently working in Institute of Dental Science, Sehora Jammu)
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