Dr. Varinder Sharma
In recent years, the rise in violence against doctors has become a critical issue, jeopardizing the integrity of the healthcare system across the country. Once held in high esteem, healthcare professionals are increasingly subjected to physical, verbal, and mob violence, as well as vandalism. This troubling trend raises serious concerns regarding the safety of medical practitioners and its broader implications for society. The root causes of this violence are complex, stemming from systemic inefficiencies, societal misconceptions, and failures in governance. A survey conducted by the Indian Medical Association reveals that around 75% of doctors in India have encountered some form of violence throughout their careers, highlighting the alarming state of the nation’s healthcare system. The uneven doctor-patient ratios in various regions create a strained healthcare environment, where doctors face overwhelming workloads, leading to delays and miscommunication that often frustrate patients and their families. Jammu & Kashmir is no exception, grappling with its own unique challenges. Difficult terrains and insufficient medical infrastructure impede access to healthcare, especially in remote regions. Although government efforts have introduced new medical colleges and improved district hospitals, issues such as a scarcity of specialized doctors and necessary equipment persist. This reliance on central hospitals only adds to the burden of overcrowding and delays.
Violence against medical practitioners often arises from unmet expectations and systemic deficiencies. Families of patients may possess unrealistic anticipations regarding medical outcomes, viewing the failure to save a critically ill patient as negligence, despite a doctor’s full effort given the available resources. The lack of transparent communication about a patient’s status and the limits of medical intervention exacerbates this disconnect. In times of grief and stress, families may misinterpret medical outcomes as carelessness. Additionally, financial limitations contribute significantly. The high cost of private medical care makes quality treatment inaccessible for many, breeding resentment toward the healthcare system and its professionals. In Jammu & Kashmir, where private healthcare options are scarce and often inadequately equipped, this frustration is particularly pronounced. The portrayal of doctors in the media and on social platforms further complicates this issue; sensational reporting and misguided narratives can dehumanize physicians, suggesting they are driven by profit or indifference, thereby eroding trust and encouraging hostility.
The ramifications of violence against healthcare providers are extensive. Physical attacks can cause serious injuries, but the psychological effects are often even more severe. Many doctors suffer from anxiety, depression, or PTSD as a result of such violence. A single incident can leave lasting scars on a physician’s ability to work empathetically and confidently. Moreover, the implications for the entire healthcare system are concerning. The fear of violence can deter doctors from taking on challenging cases, ultimately compromising patient care. Interruptions in hospital operations can delay treatments for other patients, while a climate of mistrust undermines the critical doctor-patient relationship that is vital for effective healthcare delivery.
To address this crisis, a comprehensive approach is necessary. A strong healthcare system is essential for preventing violence. Currently, India allocates just 2.5% of its GDP to healthcare, a fraction compared to countries like China (6.5%), the UK (10%), and the USA (17%). Raising this expenditure to at least 5% could vastly improve facilities, diminish overcrowding, and elevate patient care. Additionally, end-of-life care (EOLC) is a crucial area that is often neglected in hospitals. Providing compassionate EOLC for critically ill patients can help manage unrealistic expectations and elucidate the limits of medical intervention. Many countries prioritize EOLC in their healthcare systems to ensure dignity and support for patients and their families during difficult times. Major hospitals in India should adopt and prioritize EOLC to enhance the overall quality of their services.
Improving the doctor-patient ratio is vital for enhancing healthcare quality. By increasing the number of medical colleges and training institutions, we can produce a greater number of qualified medical professionals to meet rising healthcare demands. A better doctor-patient ratio guarantees that patients receive sufficient attention, timely assessments, and effective treatments, thus relieving the burden on existing doctors and improving overall patient outcomes.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the government should focus on establishing hospitals through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Offering incentives such as land and equipment subsidies could be transformative. Unlike neighboring Punjab, which has developed a comprehensive network of hospitals, J&K has faced difficulties in similar advancements. It’s crucial for the government to recognize and tackle the root causes while removing obstacles to progress. Encouraging private investment in healthcare through initiatives like subsidized land and necessary equipment could help bridge the infrastructural gaps. Developing a robust network of private hospitals and evening clinics would alleviate the pressure on government facilities, especially in urban areas. Moreover, ensuring the availability of essential diagnostic tools, fully operational emergency services, and specialized medical professionals is crucial for advancing healthcare in the region.
Many families neglect health insurance, leaving them financially vulnerable during medical emergencies. This often compels them to depend heavily on government hospitals, which may lack specialized treatment options. Such gaps can lead to complications requiring expertise beyond the attending doctors’ capabilities, sparking frustration that can escalate into violence against healthcare workers. To prevent these scenarios, it is essential for families to prioritize securing health insurance to protect themselves from unexpected crises. The government is working to enhance health insurance coverage through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which alleviates financial strain on patients, reduces stress, and improves access to quality healthcare. However, individuals, particularly those in a position to do so, should also consider personal health insurance for comprehensive coverage and additional financial security.
Furthermore, hospitals must implement robust security measures, including CCTV systems, alarm buttons, and trained personnel. Strict enforcement of laws, such as designating attacks on healthcare workers as non-bailable offenses under the Indian Penal Code, is essential. Public displays outlining legal consequences for violence in hospitals can serve as significant deterrents.
Clear and empathetic communication is crucial. Healthcare providers should receive training in counseling and effective communication to relay medical realities to patients and their families. Demonstrating empathy can reduce tensions and build trust. Public education about the challenges faced by doctors and the limitations of medical interventions is also vital. Campaigns aimed at fostering respect for healthcare professionals can cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding.
Media and social media influencers have a responsibility to engage thoughtfully with healthcare issues. Constructive criticism should take precedence over sensationalist narratives, emphasizing systemic improvements instead of casting blame on medical practitioners. Beyond structural changes, combatting violence against doctors necessitates a cultural transformation. Society must acknowledge that doctors are human beings striving to deliver the best possible care within an imperfect system. Unrealistic expectations and the notion of doctors as infallible must be replaced with a nuanced appreciation of medical science and its constraints.
Additionally, adopting a proactive approach to health can significantly lessen the necessity for hospital visits. Routine activities such as daily walking can help maintain overall fitness, manage weight, and prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions. Combined with annual health check-ups, early detection of potential health issues can occur, allowing for timely intervention before they escalate into serious conditions. Collectively, these measures contribute to a healthier populace and a lessened burden on healthcare systems.
The increasing violence against doctors reflects deeper systemic challenges within India’s healthcare framework. Addressing this crisis demands a practical and logical approach, focusing on infrastructural enhancements, legal reforms, public education, and cultural shifts. Violence should have no place in a civilized society. Healthcare professionals are held accountable under Consumer Courts, and any wrongdoing on their part can be addressed legally. This principle must be understood universally. Protecting healthcare providers is not just a matter of individual safety; it is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficacy of the healthcare system. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, we can create a safer environment for doctors and better healthcare outcomes for citizens.
(The writer is Co-convenor, Professional Cell, J&K BJP)
