SERVICE TO PATIENTS THE OTHER SIDE OF SAFETY FOR DOCTORS

Health systems vary widely across states even among private facilities. The Supreme Court's task force must take a pan-India perspective to identify challenges at different levels and settings

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THE gruesome murder of a young lady doctor at the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, as a cruel sequel to a barbaric sexual assault, created a surge of anger in a sea of societal shame. The case is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation under supervision of the Supreme Court which took suo motu notice of the case amid bickering between the central and state governments and conflicting claims from the CBI and West Bengal police.

Outrage at the dastardly crime also triggered a countrywide strike by doctors.

This interrupted medical services, except for some emergency care. The medical profession was unified in its protest against the lack of assured and adequate protection for healthcare providers. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) led the protests in every state. Nurses and allied health professionals joined, not only out of solidarity but also because they too are often victims of abuse and assaults by irate attendants, or the family and friends of seriously ill patients.

Apart from the terrible tragedy in Kolkata, there have been numerous instances of violence against healthcare providers only a fraction of which is reported in the media. An even smaller fraction of culprits face criminal charges. This often results in flash strikes by doctors, resulting in many patients being denied timely attention, investigation and treatment despite their being innocent of the crimes against medical personnel.