Mehraj Malik seeks suspension of 2 senior faculty members; doctors want FIR against MLA; junior doctors threaten to leave hospital
Arteev Sharma
Jammu, May 29: Situation remained tense in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC) Hospital on Thursday after doctors, including Postgraduate (PG) students and Junior Residents went on strike to protest against the alleged “unwarranted remarks” and “threats” made by MLA Doda Mehraj Malik.
The protest led to the suspension of Outpatient Department (OPD) services in the hospital, causing inconvenience to the patients. The striking doctors, supported by some senior faculty members, demanded the registration of an FIR against the legislator and sought restrictions on his and his workers’ movement within the hospital premises.
The controversy erupted following the MLA’s recent visit to the hospital, during which he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of certain doctors. He accused some of directing patients to private clinics and instructed all doctors to adhere to a professional dress code and wear name badges. He further warned of strict action during subsequent visits if these guidelines were not followed.
The MLA also demanded the immediate suspension of two senior faculty members of the hospital allegedly involved in encouraging private practice within the town.
Agitated over the “unwarranted remarks”, doctors expressed deep concern over, what they termed as “intimidation”, by an elected representative. “We are considering resignation. There is no security for us here. We are under constant threat,” said a PG student while staging protest.
Another PG student from Andhra Pradesh said, “Despite working continuously for 48 to 72 hours in an under-equipped and limited facility, we are being threatened. The MLA was seen in videos saying he would drag us out and beat us. I no longer feel safe here.”
“This is not the way a MLA should behave towards a doctor. I am not feeling anymore safe here. I just want to leave the hospital and go outside”, he said.
Talking to the reporters, Dr Rakesh Bahl, Principal GMC Doda admitted that the doctors’ fraternity was “disturbed” due to the certain remarks of the MLA Doda.
“Doctors and paramedical personnel have suspended OPD services after finding the MLA’s remarks unacceptable. However, emergency services and surgeries are running uninterrupted. We are in discussions with the staff, and their grievances will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities,” he stated.
Dr. Bahl also confirmed that some doctors from outside the region have expressed intentions to leave due to safety concerns. “A sense of panic has spread among the hospital staff. We have engaged local community leaders to help resolve the matter,” he said.
“Our team has been delivering services with utmost dedication despite the huge dearth of staff. If anyone has evidence of malpractice or private referrals during duty hours, they must come forward so appropriate action can be taken,” he added.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mehraj Malik and Congress party had a face off inside the hospital following the strike of the doctors.
