A Non-Negotiable Priority

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.