DODA, May 29 — A confrontation between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik and the medical staff at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda escalated as doctors launched a sudden strike in response to allegations of malpractice, drawing criticism from both the public and journalists.
The controversy began earlier this week when Malik, the MLA from Doda, visited the associated hospital at GMC Doda accompanied by supporters, some of whom recorded videos during the visit. Malik streamed the visit live on his Facebook page, during which he reprimanded junior doctors for not wearing aprons and accused paramedical staff of failing to maintain rosters.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Malik alleged that a female doctor was diverting patients to a private nursing home and not fulfilling her duties at the hospital. He further claimed that elements within the medical fraternity were operating as a “mafia” to protect private interests.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Syed Abid Rasheed, Malik accused the GMC Principal of manipulating biometric attendance records to favour specific doctors, misusing ambulances, and drawing excessive bills. “Either government hospitals will run in my district, or a mafia of private hospitals will. They are trying to become leaders. I will teach them leadership for their whole life,” Malik told reporters.
The comments drew sharp backlash from the Joint Action Committee of doctors and paramedical staff at GMC Doda. Led by Dr. Khalid Muzaffar, the committee demanded a public apology from Malik within 24 hours, warning that failure to do so would result in indefinite suspension of non-emergency services.
Despite the ultimatum, doctors went on strike on Thursday without prior notice, leaving patients and attendants in confusion and distress. Non-emergency services remained suspended throughout the day.
Several attendants expressed support for the MLA, criticising the medical staff for the unannounced strike. “We waited since morning for treatment, only to be told that doctors are on strike,” said a patient’s relative outside the hospital.
Local journalist Ishtiaq Ahmad Dev condemned the strike in a video statement, calling it “illegal and unethical.” “If the doctors wanted to protest, there are civil ways—tie black bands, hold symbolic strikes, or submit resolutions. Shutting down the OPD without notice is unjustifiable,” he said. He also pointed to the issue of doctors allegedly engaged in private practice in contravention of government norms.
At the time when we are filing this report, there was no official response from the health department regarding the matter.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
