Addressing Violence Against Women Doctors

Source– This post on Addressing Violence Against Women Doctors has been created based on the article “Authorities have failed them. Arm women doctors with stun-guns” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

Context– A 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, sparking nationwide outrage. The postmortem suggests possible gang-rape, and the Kolkata High Court moved the case to the CBI on August 14 due to police mishandling. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India reported nearly 90 rape cases daily in 2022, with numbers rising each year.

What are the issues faced by women doctors?

1) Hospital Infrastructure: – The hospital lacks dedicated, safe, and hygienic restrooms for female doctors, forcing the Kolkata case victim to use a seminar hall for rest after a 36-hour shift due to inadequate facilities.

2) Violence Against Doctors– The 2015 Indian Medical Association (IMA) survey found that over 75% of doctors in India encountered workplace violence, with women, who represent 30% of the medical workforce, being more vulnerable than their male colleagues.

A detailed article on Women Safety in India- Challenges and Way Forward can be read here.

3) Central Protection Act -The Central Protection Act, proposed in the Lok Sabha in 2022 to protect medical professionals from violence, has still not been enacted.

What steps can be taken to address violence against women doctors?

1) Arming Women Doctors -The central government should equip women doctors, especially those working night shifts in public hospitals, with taser or stun guns. Both central and state governments need to set aside funds to buy these devices for them.

2) Self-Defense Training and Security Measures -They should receive self-defense training and, like some Haryana hospitals, have bouncers during night shifts. Schools should also teach girls self-defense to help them protect themselves.

Question for practice

What challenges do women doctors encounter? What measures can be implemented to combat violence against them?