Security of health workers -urgent actions needed

 

Security of health workers  -urgent actions needed

One of the most prestigious careers that many children aspire to is becoming a doctor. The journey to becoming a doctor requires immense dedication, starting from the 10th standard, where students must focus intensively on their studies, often sacrificing hobbies and entertainment. The road to obtaining an MBBS degree alone spans over six years in medical colleges. Beyond this, further rigorous coaching and study are required to attain a postgraduate degree, which is considered essential for establishing a reputable status in the medical profession.

Doctors endure significant mental and physical strain while attending to patients. Despite this, their salaries are relatively modest, the facilities in hospitals are often inadequate, and their security is frequently in question. The recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a female medical student was raped and murdered, and the subsequent attempt to cover up the crime by officials, the police, and the ruling party, sparked nationwide protests among medical students and doctors.

In response, the Supreme Court of India has constituted a 10-member task force to develop guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and facilities for doctors and healthcare staff across hospitals in India. The Union government has directed all central government hospitals and institutions to provide escorts for female healthcare professionals while on duty and to arrange secure transportation for their commute at night. Additionally, it has mandated that more than one female healthcare professional be assigned to night shifts.

Hospitals are also required to ensure adequate lighting and install CCTV cameras, especially in duty areas. There should be a sufficient number of well-trained security guards, with strict monitoring of entry and exit points for staff, patients, and visitors. Training all hospital employees to recognize and respond to security threats is also essential. Furthermore, the government has directed that hospitals provide a sufficient number of well-secured duty rooms with basic amenities for female healthcare professionals.

Despite these initiatives, doctors' associations argue that these measures are insufficient. They are demanding the enactment of a central protection act, a demand that is both genuine and urgent. I hope the Centre will act swiftly and establish a committee with representatives from healthcare staff to draft and implement this crucial legislation