Violence Against Healthcare Workers in India

Source-This post on Violence Against Healthcare Workers in India has been created based on the article “Do we need a Central law for protection of healthcare professionals?  Published in the “The Hindu” on 23 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context – The brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has highlighted the serious problem of violence against healthcare workers. The World Health Organization reports that globally, violence against these workers ranges from 8% to 38%, highlighting a clear need for major improvements in healthcare systems and infrastructure.

What are the Factors Contributing to Violence?

1) Root Causes -Violence mainly stems from unmet patient expectations, high out-of-pocket costs, and poor communication between doctors and patients.

2) Inadequate Healthcare -People need free and accessible healthcare, and when they don’t receive it, their frustration often falls on doctors instead of the broader healthcare system.

3) Insufficient Healthcare Spending -Healthcare spending is insufficient, with India investing less than 2% of its GDP, whereas the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 6%.

4) Low Conviction Rate- Despite 25 states having laws to protect medical professionals, convictions remain rare. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) contends that the Centre’s claim that existing laws are adequate is flawed and calls for the introduction of a Central Act.

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 What should be the way forward?

1) Enhancing Hospital Security -Robust security measures, such as installing CCTV cameras and employing trained security personnel, should be implemented, especially in government and small-to-medium private facilities.

2) Adopting Kerala’s Model Nationwide -There is a need to implement Kerala’s approach across the country by strengthening laws, responding quickly to violence, and using the effective Code of Grey Protocol.

3) Infrastructure and Working Conditions –

A) Limiting working hours for doctors, especially postgraduate students

B) Addressing mental health issues among medical professionals

C)Establishing hospital protection committees

4) National Medical Commission’s Safety Advisory -The National Medical Commission’s advisory on improving safety in medical colleges needs to be effectively implemented.

5) Boosting Health Spending– Increasing GDP spending on health and strengthening the public health system is essential to ensure proper treatment at hospitals and reduce violence against healthcare workers.

Question for practice

What factors are driving violence, and what steps should be taken to address the issue?