The alarming rise
in violence against healthcare professionals is a distressing indicator of
societal decay. Recent events, such as the stabbing of a doctor in Tamil Nadu
and the gruesome R.G. Kar case, underscore the urgent need for robust measures
to safeguard those who dedicate their lives to saving others. While the
National Task Force (NTF) report to the Supreme Court asserts that existing
State laws and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), are sufficient to address
this issue, the ground reality paints a different picture.
The NTF's
argument—that 24 States already have laws addressing violence against
healthcare professionals—seems plausible on paper but fails to address the
glaring inadequacies in enforcement. Despite legal provisions, instances of
physical attacks, intimidation, and even murder of doctors have surged. The
tragic case of Dr. Sanjay Upreti in Sikkim in 2021, attacked in broad daylight,
the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and
the recent case from Tamil Nadu where a doctor was stabbed multiple times by a
patient’s relative illustrate the insufficiency of existing mechanisms in
providing real-time protection.
While legal
frameworks can theoretically act as deterrents, their impact is limited without
effective enforcement and institutional safeguards. Hospitals, where emotions
often run high due to life-and-death situations, are particularly vulnerable.
The absence of visible deterrents like robust security systems, baggage
scanners, and trained personnel exacerbates the risks for medical
professionals.
Unfortunately,
societal attitudes toward doctors are increasingly fraught with mistrust and
blame, fuelled by misunderstandings about medical outcomes. The tension between
doctors and patients’ families often stems from a lack of communication. While
it is incumbent upon healthcare providers to maintain transparency and empathy,
such efforts must not be met with hostility. Violence is never a justified
response to grief or frustration.
The NTF's
dismissal of the need for a dedicated central law to protect doctors is
shortsighted. A uniform framework that unequivocally criminalizes attacks on
healthcare professionals, coupled with stringent penalties, would send a clear
message about the sanctity of medical spaces. Additionally, a centralized
policy would eliminate disparities in the implementation of safety protocols
across States.
Doctors are
indispensable to society, yet the persistent threat to their safety demoralizes
the medical fraternity and deters young aspirants from entering the profession.
Striking for better safety measures, as seen in Tamil Nadu, is a desperate cry
for help, not a solution. Policymakers must heed these calls and prioritize the
welfare of those who heal us.
Violence against
healthcare workers is a failure of humanity. While legal reform and
institutional measures are critical, a societal shift in recognizing the value
of medical professionals is equally vital. Until doctors feel secure in their
workplaces, the healthcare system will remain fractured, jeopardizing the very
fabric of public health.
