After two days of disruption, the doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu have officially called off their indefinite strike, bringing much-needed relief to the patients and restoring regular medical services across the hospital.
The strike, which began following an alleged physical assault on two female doctors by attendants of a deceased patient on Wednesday, had severely affected healthcare delivery, including Out-Patient Department (OPD), in-patient care, and several critical services.
Emergency services were only partially operational, managed by senior doctors and limited medical staff.
According to the news agency, the decision to end the protest came after successful negotiations between the hospital administration and representatives of the protesting doctors.
According to officials, the woman accused of assaulting the doctors has been taken into custody and a formal case has been registered against those involved.
“We deeply respect our duty to serve patients and regret the inconvenience caused. However, our protest was essential to demand accountability and protection for healthcare professionals,” said a spokesperson from the doctors' association. “Following firm assurances from the administration and the government, we have decided to end the strike.”
The doctors had demanded immediate arrest of the culprits, registration of an FIR, and stronger security arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future. Their primary concern was ensuring a safe and secure working environment within the hospital premises.
The hospital administration, in a statement, acknowledged the doctors' concerns and assured that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for the assault. Officials also committed to enhancing the hospital's internal security system to safeguard medical staff.
“Patient care is our top priority, and any threat to our healthcare workers will not be tolerated. We will strengthen surveillance and ensure more security personnel are deployed within the hospital premises,” an official said.
As the strike ends, normalcy is gradually returning to GMC Jammu. OPD and in-patient services have resumed and patients who had been waiting for consultations and treatment have begun receiving care again.
Patients and their attendants expressed relief at the resumption of services. "We understand the doctors' concerns, but we are glad that things are finally getting back to normal. Healthcare must not suffer," said Ramesh Kumar, an attendant at the hospital.
The incident was widely condemned especially by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and various doctor bodies across India