Srinagar, Apr 28 (KNO): The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate steps to strengthen security for doctors and healthcare staff, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, following a series of reported assaults in government medical institutions.
In a formal communication sent on Tuesday, AIMSA Vice President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan expressed deep concern over what he described as a “growing sense of insecurity” among medical professionals.
The letter, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), emphasised that doctors, who often work in high-pressure and resource-constrained environments, are increasingly facing threats to their safety while performing their duties.
“Doctors dedicate their lives to public service, frequently under challenging circumstances. However, repeated incidents of violence have created an atmosphere of fear within the healthcare community,” the association said.
The concern comes in the wake of recent incidents at key medical institutions in Kashmir. At Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, several doctors, including Dr Ainul Huda and Dr Zamin, along with paramedical staff, were assaulted. A similar case was reported at GMC Baramulla, where a doctor identified as Dr Mustafa allegedly faced physical assault.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, AIMSA called for a series of corrective measures. These include strengthening security infrastructure in hospitals and medical colleges nationwide, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir.
The association recommended deploying trained security personnel in sensitive areas such as emergency wards, where tensions often run high.
The AIMSA urged authorities to ensure strict legal action against those involved in attacks on medical staff, along with fast-track investigations to deliver timely justice. It proposed the installation of CCTV surveillance systems and the creation of emergency response mechanisms within hospital premises.
"There is a need for a comprehensive national policy dedicated to the protection of healthcare workers," the association said, arguing that safeguarding medical professionals is critical to maintaining the integrity and functionality of the healthcare system.
“Ensuring the safety of doctors is essential for protecting the healthcare system itself. We hope for immediate intervention and decisive action on this pressing issue,” the AIMSA said—(KNO)