Demands for complete safety of doctors, medical institutions
Condemning the recent violence at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded for complete safety of doctors and medical institutions. Dedicated services under the most challenging circumstances has not prevented physical assault on doctors and the hospital.
With the epidemic yet to peak and the ICUs continuing isolation protocols violence is bound to increase, while the epidemic progresses. Police and security personnel should be redeployed to provide adequate security in ICUs and hospitals.
Violence under the pretext of sudden bereavement is the result of years of weak-kneed response by successive Governments. It has no place in a civilised society. It deserves to be treated in par with terrorism. Government of Telangana did no charity in responding adequately and immediately. There was no choice. The unfortunate fact remains that these malevolent acts have become acceptable to the society at large as the new normal,” said Dr Rajan Sharma, National President, IMA.
Violence on doctors and hospitals impacts patient care and safety. The protection under the epidemic situation will evaporate. The ground reality will remain the same. Governments should do more than firefighting.
“Healthcare violence has no parallel, but requires to be put down with zero tolerance. It has to be treated at a different level from violence on other sections of society. The least that can be done is to incorporate the Central amendments to the Disaster Management Act 2015 into the respective state Acts for protection of doctors and hospitals. Hospitals should be declared safe zones with security protocols. The political will and wisdom to safeguard our hospitals at par with airports is sadly lacking.” Said Dr RV Asokan, Hony Secretary General, IMA.
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