Violence Against Doctors Is Unacceptable; It Is Not Just lawlessness; It Is A Social Breakdown: Dr M Y Tak, President DAK

Violence Against Doctors Is Unacceptable; It Is Not 

Just lawlessness; It Is A Social Breakdown: Dr M Y Tak, President DAK

In the backdrop of back-to-back incidents of assault on doctors in Jammu and Srinagar, tensions have escalated within the healthcare community of Jammu and Kashmir. The medical fraternity is shaken; not just by the violence itself, but by the growing sense of impunity surrounding such attacks.

To understand the gravity of the situation and the path forward, BASHARAT KHAN spoke exclusively with Dr M Y Tak, President Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK). In a measured yet deeply concerned tone, Dr Tak spoke candidly about the crisis of trust, the overburdened healthcare system, and the need for systemic reforms.

Q: How do you view the recent incidents where doctors were assaulted in GMC Jammu and SMHS Srinagar?

Dr M Y Tak:

These incidents are not just disturbing; they are deeply demoralising. What we’re seeing is not a momentary lapse or emotional outburst; it is a sign of something much more serious. A doctor being attacked while on duty, in a hospital, by the very people he or she is trying to help, is not just lawlessness; it’s a breakdown of civil society itself.

Doctors are increasingly being seen as soft targets when expectations are not met. This shift from trust to confrontation is extremely dangerous.

Q: In your view, what is fuelling this erosion of trust between patients and doctors?

Dr M Y Tak:

Several things are at play. First, our healthcare infrastructure is overloaded. Most doctors, especially residents, work long and gruelling hours  of 24 to 36 hours straight, often with little rest or food. That is not sustainable for anyone.

Second, there is a communication gap. What may appear to a patient’s attendant as neglect might actually be a limitation of resources or time. People are emotionally charged, and in that state, misunderstandings escalate quickly.

But no matter the frustration, assaulting a doctor is never justifiable. We have systems in place, hospital administrations, grievance redressal platforms, legal mechanisms. A civil society handles disputes through lawful means, not violence.

Q: Could you elaborate on the specific incidents that have stirred public and professional concern?

Dr M Y Tak:

In Jammu, a female doctor was allegedly struck in her abdomen. That’s a line that should never be crossed. And then in SMHS Srinagar, a young doctor was assaulted on duty. What is worse is that video footage shows nearly a dozen people around the attacker; not one of them tried to stop him.

Later, the attacker casually said it was a ‘mistake’. But what does that mean for the doctor who was attacked, or for others watching in silence? The inaction of bystanders is just as concerning.

Q: Some argue that doctors too must be held accountable. What’s your take on that?

Dr M Y Tak:

We’re not above accountability. Let me be clear; there may be genuine grievances, even instances of negligence. But there are procedures for that. Patients and families can file formal complaints. There are oversight bodies, there are legal avenues.

However, turning to violence and breaking hospital equipment, threatening doctors, physically assaulting someone on duty;  that is not acceptable in any society. We cannot allow mob behaviour to creep into our hospitals.

I will also add that administrative overreach happens too. Doctors have told us they have faced punitive action for minor, unintentional errors. That kind of uneven treatment only adds to the mental stress we are already under.

Q: After the SMHS incident, junior doctors staged a strike. Was that the right call?

Dr M Y Tak:

Yes, and let’s clarify;  only junior doctors went on strike, and emergency services remained fully operational. It wasn’t about disrupting healthcare; it was a symbolic cry for safety.

These young doctors weren’t asking for favours : they were asking a very basic question: Are we safe at our workplace? When this question remains unanswered despite repeated incidents, silence starts to feel like surrender. And that is what they were resisting.

Q: What role do you think civil society and the media should play in such situations?

Dr M Y Tak:

A vital one. Civil society must reject all forms of violence;  no matter the trigger. People must remember that doctors are their own children, neighbours, and kin. Treating them like adversaries will only harm public health in the long run.

As for the media, I believe responsible journalism is essential. Report the facts, yes. Raise questions: absolutely. But please don’t sensationalise or run half-verified stories. It fuels anger without context and creates unnecessary panic.

Q: What steps should the government and police be taking right now?

Dr M Y Tak:

Strong, immediate, and transparent action. First, law enforcement must ensure that those who assault healthcare workers are booked under relevant laws without delay. Second, we urgently need a robust hospital security framework across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Hon'ble Supreme Court has already laid down guidelines for protecting medical professionals. These should not remain on paper; they must be implemented in letter and spirit.

Every day, we get calls and messages from doctors who are stressed, frightened, and unsure whether they will return home safely from work. That fear is real; and it is growing.

Q: What message would you like to give to the public and your fellow medical professionals?

Dr M Y Tak:

To the public: please don’t turn hospitals into battlegrounds. If you break the doctor patient bond, it is not the doctor who loses;  it is the entire healthcare system.

And to my fellow doctors: let us not lose our sense of purpose. Let is stay calm, be empathetic, and continue to communicate better with our patients. Compassion and clarity are as vital as any prescription.

At DAK, we remain committed to defending the dignity of every doctor in the Valley. But more than that, we’re committed to building a society where doctors and patients work as allies;  not adversaries.

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